All the oak for Vicard barrels is guaranteed because - Selecting, purchasing and approval of part of its wood requirements in undertaken by Vicard - Splitting of the wood is undertaken in-house - Attending wood sales personally - Strict specification imposed on the wood suppliers. Vicard ensures consistency by maintaining strict control over their oak from tree to stave.

The carefully stacked staves are left in the open air for a period of two years. The rain, sun and wind achieve a gradual but effective washing and drying of staves. The wood fibres gradually shrink, assuring the tightness of the barrel build. Further, undesirable impurities, tanins and ethers are flushed from the wood over the course of the seasoning period. The staves are left for a minimum of 24months.

The barrels are made by highly trained & experienced coopers. Vicard was responsible for the creation of the Cognac School of Cooperage ( Ecole de Tonnellerie de Cognac ), which is attended by approximately 60 pupils each year. Also, Vicard trains about ten apprentices each year.

The quality and longevity of the barrel depend largely on this process. The wood has to be bent steadily and gradually to ensure that the staves don't break, and retain there curvature. The intensity and duration of the heating process directly influence the aromas imparted to the wine. A revolutionary new process Vicard has designed now allows the cooper to have total control over the heating time, and the temperature of the flame. The toasting procedure takes up to 10hours at a low temperature of around 70°C. This innovation results in a high level control thus enabling flexible adaptive toasting. This results in consistent toasting to your requirements and wonderful integration of the wood's aroma with the wine.

Vicard's consistent product, manufacturing efficiencies and advanced quality control set it apart in the premium barrel market. It was established in 1925 and o this day remains a family owned business selling barrels worldwide. Its aim is to produce good quality barrels, increase the quantity without compromising Quality. Proof of this ethos is Vicard attaining ISO 9002 in 1995 during a period of significant growth and, in the past eight years it has also featured four times in the top 100 French Companies.