In the cooper’s craft, every detail matters. Oak selection, seasoning, toasting—all are crucial steps that influence the wine’s aging, its structure, complexity, and balance. At Tonnellerie Saury, this attention to detail led, as early as 2000, to the development of a pre-toasting technique now well known among professionals: immersion.
The immersion process involves submerging the “en rose” shaped oak barrel into a hot water bath at over 80°C. This step allows the oak to absorb water, making it more pliable and better prepared for toasting. Once removed from the bath, the barrel is bent using traditional methods to give it its final shape.
What’s the main advantage of immersion? It softens the harshest tannins through a leaching effect. The water removes the most aggressive compounds while preserving the noble character of the oak. In fact, a study conducted by the Laboratoire Exact in 2014 showed a 37% reduction in ellagitannins in the wood after immersion.
This technique complements the natural leaching that occurs during outdoor seasoning.
Next comes the essential toasting stage (also called “bousinage”). The cooper precisely adjusts the level of heat—Light, Lumière, Medium Long, Lumière+, Medium, Medium+ or Long—depending on the desired wine style and the specific expectations of winemakers or clients. The goal: a gentle core toasting effect, supported by the water’s heat transfer properties, which allows for the gradual evaporation of moisture in the oak while carefully managing aroma development.
In the glass, this translates to wines with a harmonious palate—marked by smoothness, subtle sweetness, and reduced bitterness. The fruit is enhanced and refreshed by the oak’s contribution, and the wine is enriched with subtle notes of vanilla, spice, or toast depending on the level of toasting applied.
Immersion and toasting are two essential steps in the production of an oak barrel. At Tonnellerie Saury, each barrel is the result of meticulous craftsmanship: stave selection, natural seasoning (a minimum of 20 months), oak origin, and toasting profile are all variables that allow for precise customization tailored to each winemaker’s needs.
Feel free to contact your Saury sales representative for personalized advice.
Photography : Christophe Deschanel
