

After sourcing the wood, further work can begin on making casks, barrels, puncheons and vats. The climatic effects in Castell’Alfero are ideally suited for seasoning, which makes this important process very unique.
In fact, the harmonious alternating pattern of rain, sun, humidity, wind, snow and fog throughout the year increases the extraction of harsh compounds as the wood is transformed during the seasoning process. We believe the talent of a skilled craftsman combined with intuition is of utmost importance in making a premium product.
These attributes allow the master cooper and before him, the merrandiers to “feel” whether or not the wood will make a good stave. Some key factors determining whether the wood meets our standards are: the type of tree and its origin, how well it's cut and how long it’s seasoned.