Oak, Wine & Spirits: A Tale of Alchemy

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Clothes do not make the man, but when it comes to wine and spirits, the cask is key. For centuries, the French company Charlois has worked in close connection with forests and oak, its expertise now extending far beyond its origins. Rooted in the Bertranges Forest, in the heart of France, Charlois crafts barrels and casks designed to accompany and reveal the finest wines and spirits. Far more than a simple container, the oak cask is a true instrument of maturation: It structures tannins, refines texture, and enhances aging potential, while encouraging a slower, more harmonious, and more stable aromatic evolution.When wine is aged in oak, the wood enables gentle micro-oxygenation which stabilizes color and integrates tannins, bringing depth and balance to the final expression. Restoring and extending the life of a barrel may require replacing only a few staves, but creates a perfect balance between the power of old oak and the energy of younger wood. Re-charring a barrel reactivates the oak’s aromatic compounds, a crucial step in crafting the finest spirits.From France to Scotland and the United States, this book, dedicated to His Majesty the Oak Tree, reveals how each barrel, through its origin, grain, toast, and history, contributes with finesse to the balance and complexity of exceptional red and white wines, champagnes, cognacs, bourbons, whiskies, and rums. Writer Thierry Dussard and photographer Christophe Deschanel traveled together to the seven locations featured in the book, uncovering the secrets of this patient and subtle craft. Their combined perspective sheds light on patient and exacting savoir-faire, in the service of excellence. With a preface by French chef Alain Ducasse and an afterword by French sommelier Éric Beaumard, Oak, Wine & Spirits: A Tale of Alchemy is a journey through the forest and what it has taught those who work with it: patience, resilience, and savoir-faire.

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Brand: Assouline

A WORD FROM THE FOUNDERSWe created this company to be the first luxury brand on culture. We wanted to supply everything for a contemporary library; we started working with top perfumers for scented candles, with Goyard for a book trunk, with Chanel on a quilted leather slipcase, and so on. Now we are expanding the Assouline lifestyle brand in stores in the most important cities of the world. We love and believe in books more than everything else, but we also want to extend our vision to create all that can be expected in a chic and personalized library, from beautiful books and special editions to luxury gift items, unique library accessories, and now a complete turnkey collection of stylish furniture. Our digital world goes faster than ever and nothing remains of it, but books are the solid part of our past and present. They also are beauty. For us, books are a matter of intellect and emotion, of heritage and innovation. Because information is not only about today, and the past is a sensational source of inspiration.-Prosper & Martine AssoulineTHE BRANDFounded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. It began with the desire to create a new, contemporary style of book, using the couple's experienced eye for visually rich stories and compelling narratives.Guided by their passion for knowledge, culture and travel, the Assoulines have since expanded their vision to 1,700 titles in three main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories—a grand oeuvre of inspiring creations. Throughout the last quarter of a century, the brand has established a network of international boutiques in prominent locations across the globe. Assouline has also inaugurated a curated library service, working closely with clients to visualize, design, and develop bespoke, one-of-a-kind libraries.With a distinguished team of creative talents—which includes the founders' son Alexandre—the brand continues to reinvent the notion of true luxury. Assouline’s roster of collaborators includes some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers and designers.Assouline continues to exude an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir faire, which has globally redefined modern publishing.