From France to Scotland and the United States, Assouline’s coffee-table book *Oak, Wine & Spirits: A Tale of Alchemy' reveals how each barrel—through its origin, grain, toasting, and history—contributes with finesse to the balance and complexity of exceptional red and white wines, champagnes, cognacs, bourbons, whiskeys, and rum.
PUBLISHER: Assouline Delivery Time: 2 Business Days
Clothes don’t make the man, but when it comes to wine and spirits, the barrel is of crucial importance. For centuries, the French company Charlois has worked closely with forests and oak, and its expertise now extends far beyond its original area of operation. Charlois, with its roots in the Bertranges Forest in the heart of France, crafts barrels and casks designed to accompany the finest wines and spirits and allow them to reach their full potential. The oak barrel is much more than just a simple storage vessel; it is a true instrument of aging: it gives structure to the tannins, refines the texture, and enhances the aging potential, while promoting a slower, more harmonious, and more stable aromatic development.
When wine ages in oak, the wood provides gentle micro-oxygenation that stabilizes the color and integrates the tannins, giving the final flavor depth and balance. Restoring and extending the life of a barrel sometimes requires nothing more than replacing a few staves, yet it creates a perfect balance between the power of old oak and the energy of younger wood. Re-toasting a barrel reactivates the aromatic compounds in the oak, a crucial step in the production of the finest spirits.
From France to Scotland and the United States, Assouline’s coffee-table book *Oak, Wine & Spirits: A Tale of Alchemy*, dedicated to His Majesty the Oak, reveals how each barrel—through its origin, grain, toasting, and history—contributes with finesse to the balance and complexity of exceptional red and white wines, champagnes, cognacs, bourbons, whiskeys, and rum. Author Thierry Dussard and photographer Christophe Deschanel traveled together to the seven locations featured in the book to unravel the secrets of this patient and subtle craft. Their combined perspective sheds light on the patient and demanding craftsmanship dedicated to excellence. With a foreword by French chef Alain Ducasse and an afterword by French sommelier Éric Beaumard, the book is a journey through the forest and what it has taught those who work with it: patience, resilience, and craftsmanship.
Specifications
Title: Oak, Wine & Spirits: A Tale of Alchemy
Author: Thierry Dussard
Publisher: Assouline
Size: 250 x 330 x 40 mm
Size: 308 pages
Weight: 2,898 kg
Language: English
Material: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781649805003
Check out our wide range of tasty cookbooks featuring dishes from the world's best-known chefs, restaurants and cuisines.
