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About
Handcrafted Large Format Oak for Modern Cellars.
Foudrerie François is the premier choice for wineries seeking the unique benefits of large-format oak maturation. Specialising in the design and manufacture of vats and casks, the cooperage combines ancient craft with a modern, practical approach to cellar work. By managing their own stave supply and focusing on modern practicality, they offer a tool that is perfectly suited to contemporary winemaking needs. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and technical flexibility ensures every vessel is built to meet the precise requirements of your cellar.
Foudrerie François Oak Selection
A versatile range of handcrafted, high-capacity vessels engineered to offer thermal stability and subtle oak integration, fully customisable to suit your precise requirements.
Foudrerie François represents the perfect choice for vinification and maturation.
High-capacity vessels that balance traditional craftsmanship with the practical needs of modern production. Every vat and cask is built to be a durable and reliable tool, respecting the natural development of the wine over many decades.
Bespoke Flexibility in Design
Foudrerie François prides itself on the flexibility to customise every build to suit the precise requirements of each producer. Whether the requirement is a specific oval shape to fit a unique space or a custom-designed upright vat for specialised vinification, the team works to exact specifications. This bespoke approach allows wineries to break new ground with their programs while ensuring the equipment is perfectly tailored to their specific methods.
The First Choice for Quality
Foudrerie François is established as the premier choice for leading wineries requiring large-format oak solutions. This reputation is built on a track record of delivering handcrafted round or oval casks and upright vats that perform consistently across various winemaking programs. By partnering with this specialised workshop, producers gain access to a proven resource that excels in both the fermentation and aging phases.
Total Supply Chain Control
A significant advantage for the winemaker is the total control maintained over the raw materials. Foudrerie François manages its own stave supply, ensuring an optimal and consistent source of high-quality French oak. This internal oversight is critical for large-format production, as it guarantees that the massive staves used in vats up to 300 hectolitres meet the highest standards for grain and seasoning.
Modern Practicality & Accessories
While the construction techniques remain traditional, the finished products are perfectly adapted to modern winemaking methods. Every vessel incorporates high-quality stainless steel valves, fittings, doors, and traps. These accessories are chosen specifically to make large-format oak easy to clean and operate, ensuring these classic tools are practical for a busy, hygiene-focused environment.
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Technical Data
| Location | › Brive, France › 45°09’36.40″N › 1°29’19.26″E |
|---|---|
| Climate Description | › Rainfall: 901mm per year |
| Temperature Range | › Mean high: 21°C › Mean low: 1°C |
| Barrel Sizes Specifications | › Made to measure, 1000l to 100,000l |
| Seasoning Description | › Minimum 24 month › 36 month |
| Bending Practice Fire/steam/water | › Extended light toast over open flame |
| Grains | › Medium Open Grain |
| Toasts | › Light toast for extended period |
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Products
Rounds
Rounds are the traditional benchmark for long-term aging. These handcrafted casks provide a stable and reliable environment where wine can develop slowly and gracefully over several decades.
The low wood-to-wine ratio is a significant practical benefit for producers who prioritize fruit purity and varietal character. Each vessel is built with a focus on durability, utilizing high-quality French oak to ensure consistent performance throughout its long working life.
Available in:
- 1000L Round
- 1500L Round
- 2500L Round
- 3500L Round
- 4500L Round
Ovals
Ovals are a specialised choice for producers who need to maximize floor space without sacrificing the volume of their maturation program. These casks are fully customizable in shape and capacity, making them easy to integrate into a variety of winery layouts.
Beyond space efficiency, their unique shape provides a specific ratio of oxygen exchange and lees contact (helping to build texture and complexity). They are perfectly adapted to modern winemaking methods and feature the same premium fittings as the rest of the range.
Available in:
- 1000L Oval
- 1500L Oval
- 2000L Oval
- 2500L Oval
- 3000L Oval
- 3500L Oval
Uprights
Upright vats are versatile workhorses designed to handle both the vinification and maturation stages of the winemaking process. They offer the high-capacity solutions required for large-scale fermentation and steady, reliable aging.
The thickness of the oak staves provides excellent natural thermal insulation, which helps to maintain consistent temperatures during the fermentation phase. These vats are equipped with high-quality stainless steel valves, doors, and traps to ensure they remain easy to clean and operate.
Available in:
- 1500L Upright
- 1800L Upright
- 2000L Upright
- 2500L Upright
- 3500L Upright
- 4500L Upright
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Contact
Your Foudrerie François Specialist
Speak to Julia Garnier-Carr, our Foudrerie François specialist, for a personalised product experience. If you have any questions about Foudrerie François oak products or the rest of our range, please don’t hesitate to contact Julia:
Mobile: 0418 893 235
Email: julia@classicoakproducts.com
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