The products

Chambord oak is split into wood staves by hand, according to time-honored rules. For two years, it is left to mature in open air in the heart of the estate. Scrupulous observation of the grand cooperage tradition of oak barrel making guarantees an irreproachable organoleptic result.

The Chambord barrel is a tool for oenological growth associating the elegance of silky tannins with the subtle aromas revealed in the toasting process. Just like its illustrious Loire valley neighbors, Chambord oak endows the greatest French and worldwide wines with structure, length, finesse, freshness and complexity.

Available in the form of lengthily medium toasted casks, «Chambord» barrels may also contain non-toasted heads (toasting possible on request).

Medium long-lasting toasting is recommended as an ideal way of revealing the richness of the oak and of respecting the fruit.

The first edition of these barrels consists in 100 numbered specimens available in formats of 225 liters (Bordeaux barrel) or 228 liters (Burgundy piece). Upcoming editions, which will be partially available in formats of 300, 350 or 400 as well as 225 and 228 liters, will not exceed 150 specimens. The manufacturing process is painstakingly mastered in its selection of oak trees, production of staves and design of the barrels themselves.

The National Estate of Chambord draws upon French craftsmanship and the local economy. The barrels are manufactured by master craftsmen whose methodology is in full compliance with the rules reflecting professional know-how and the French art of living.

The manufacture of wood staves takes place near Chambord, in the Cizeau stave mill.  Twenty-four months of open air drying in the park of Chambord with its Loire valley climate are subsequently essential to the maturation of the exceptional staves.

The manufacture and toasting of the barrels is performed by the Cadus cooperage in Burgundy. For every barrel delivered, and in partnership with a Burgundy-based tree nursery, Cadus has promised that a tree will be replanted.  Since the operation got underway (in 2015), more than 38000 sessile and pedonculated oaks have been replanted. Today the National Estate of Chambord is proud to promote a reforestation project in full alignment with its values. Last but not least, the traditional slate slab adorning the barrel and the glass bung plug have been engraved and painted by Charente craftsmen.

The project is monitored by Cognac-based consulting firm in oenological wood (“oakmasters to serve winemakers”), Oenowood International.

When you choose a “Chambord” barrel, a product available only on a limited basis (100 barrels a year), you are making the choice  of excellence and a specifically French art of living. And you are growing your wines amidst five centuries of French history.

Finally, as a user of “Chambord” barrels, you will be eligible, on completion of initial oenological aging, to join the short list of wines marketed with  the indication Matured in Chambord oak barrels.

In June 2015, the National Estate of Chambord replanted “the François I vine” 500 years after its introduction in Val de Loire. This project fulfils a triple objective: patrimonial, environmental and economic.

The grape varieties chosen were those from the region of Romorantin, in memory of François I, who brought the fruit of the vine to Val de Loire in 1519. Plantation has entailed two phases: While 15 acres were planted in June 2015 (5 acres of pre-phylloxera Romorantin and 10 acres of Pinot Noir), 20 acres will be added in 2016 and 2017 (pre-phylloxera Romorantin plants, Gamay and Pinot blanc).

The first harvest is scheduled to take place in 2019, anniversary of the date when the construction of Chambord began. By respecting the time-honoured methods applied in the region and by availing itself of the top-level know-how in oenological practice possessed by Maison Marionnet, Chambord is defending an idea pertaining to the French art of living. The estate will consequently regale its visitors with high-quality wine, epitome of the radiance of the Loire valley, one of the most attractive regions in France for amateurs of fine wines.

Each interested person or company will have the possibility, following a donation of 1000 euros, to adopt a vine beside which his name will be permanently inscribed. The 1000-euro donation is tax-deductible to the tune of 66% for income taxes or 60% for corporate taxes. Following tax exemption, the actual cost of the donation will come to 340 euros for individuals and to 400 euros for companies.  .

In 2015, forty beehives were set up in the heather field of the eastern section of the park, in the heart of the estate. This protected location is propitious to the preservation of acacia and oak trees and, to a lesser extent, of chestnut trees.   .

Installation of a beehive helps to optimally maintain the diversity of natural environments in the park and is aimed at increasing the number of bee colonies in the Val de Loire and the Sologne forest.

As a result and in partnership with the dark European honeybee conservatory in Val de Loire, Sologne and the forest of Orléans, Chambord is participating in an initiative aimed at preserving a local honeybee species known as the “black bee”, of which the long-term survival is in danger. These bees are perfectly adapted to their environment and constitute an irreplaceable genetic reservoir. In addition, the black bee is a component of biodiversity meriting preservation. Of all the different honeybees, it is the one that visits the most diversified array of plants; at times, it is their one and only pollinator. It thereby contributes to the pollination and conservation of numerous species of wild as well as cultivated plants.

During its first year of operation, the National estate of Chambord harvested three types of honey: acacia honey, forest honey harvested in June, and forest honey harvested in August.

The honey pots are commercialized in the castle gift shop and also, in Paris, exclusively in the Sébastien Gaudard pâtisserie – salon de thé of the Tuileries.

These objects are unique articles, certified as having been produced from the antlers of the deer inhabiting the Chambord forest. Each year, deer shed and drop their antlers, which are subsequently collected. The key rings, knife holders and walking sticks are handmade by Chambord woodworkers.

Handmade by Chambord woodworkers, these wooden objects are produced from the wood of the trees (birch, pine, oak…) in the forest of Chambord, the largest well-enclosed park in Europe.