In the traditional pre-heating method, Saury barrels are bent into shape after the staves have been raised in the hoop, by heating them over a wood fire after superficial humidification. This extremely delicate stage is where all the cooper’s skills come into play.
Research into the impact of the bending method carried out by the Laboratoire Exact in 2014 demonstrated a 49% reduction in ellagitannins after traditional bending. Traditional barrels offer structure, density and depth to the wines, which also gain in aromatic complexity and elegance.
