Doreau Tonneliers awarded EPV Label for a second time

“Put your work twenty times upon the anvil” (Boileau).
In other words, one must work tirelessly and with precision in the pursuit of perfection. A philosophy wholeheartedly embraced by the Doreau teams, who have once again sought and successfully renewed the prestigious EPV label (Living Heritage Company), awarded by the prefectural authorities, after first receiving it in 2019

The EPV label is far more than an honorary title. It serves to recognise and promote French artisanal and industrial excellence, based on several criteria: the possession of unique know-how, a remarkable heritage, 100% French production, acknowledged recognition, and collaborations with renowned houses. Once again, Doreau Tonneliers ticks all the boxes. This recognition is a source of pride for all staff on site, and more broadly across Charlois.
“It might seem anecdotal, but it truly isn’t,” insists Lionel Leroux, QHSE Director at Charlois. “This label rewards daily work, meticulous attention to every stage of transformation from the sourcing of oak to the delivery of our products, including the entire production process. Everyone is involved. It’s a true source of satisfaction for us and a mark of trust and quality for our clients and partners.”

Sustaining and showcasing our know-how

Renewal of the EPV label is not automatic.
“Every five years, a new application must be submitted. We are then audited once more by accredited staff from SGS, a company commissioned by the French state to oversee the process. All the required criteria for renewal are scrutinised—perhaps even more rigorously than during the initial application,” explains Lionel. “Of course, it’s our exemplary craftsmanship and the longevity of our cooperage skills that are recognised—but not only that. Our entirely French production, our strong local presence, and our partnerships with historic houses (such as Henessy, Frapin Courvoisier, Oréco, Martel…)also play an essential role in fulfilling the labelling criteria.”

For Joris Faure, Spirits Sales Manager at Doreau, “It’s fantastic news for us—and for our clients, too. The idea of applying for the EPV label came in 2018, after a visit to Domaine Gosset in Champagne, which has held the label since 2013. I was with Thierry Doreau at the time, and we both felt this label was the perfect way to showcase our exceptional know-how.”
A year later, in 2019, the cooperage earned its place among the elite.
“Five years on, we’ve been re-awarded the EPV label. It’s a strong signal that over the past five years, we have successfully maintained our standard of excellence. It’s a bit like earning a Michelin star—difficult to obtain, but perhaps even harder to keep.”