They have traveled a long way—some have arrived by ship from America, others by truck from France. All need to rest, and that is something they will do at their own pace once they reach Tonelería Murúa.
Because if winemaking is a slow and meticulous process, barrel-making is just as demanding—if not more.
Today, we want to show you our wood drying process. A natural, distinctive, and unique method to which we have dedicated decades of studies and research to achieve the perfect drying process.
One of the most striking images for visitors is seeing the 18,000 square meters of open-air space where the staves rest. But they are not placed randomly. Upon arrival, they are re-stacked and positioned at a 45º angle with an East-West air orientation. This is not by chance—it is the result of research. This positioning ensures proper air circulation, leading to a more uniform drying process.
Contrary to what one might think, wood is dried with both water and sun. Weather elements such as rain and snow are allies in our natural drying process. They play a key role by washing the wood and removing astringent tannins, resulting in optimal aromatic and phenolic levels. Over time, the climate encourages the growth of certain fungi, adding the elegant touch that defines our drying method. This explains why wood drying is such a slow and meticulous process.
As we mentioned, we have invested heavily in R&D to determine the perfect, almost magical moment when the drying process is complete. We know exactly what the ideal moisture level should be.
Due to La Rioja’s unique climate and location, longer drying periods are required compared to other regions. To achieve the perfect drying process, American oak wood remains a minimum of 24 months, while French oak requires at least 36 months.
For our limited-edition barrels, of which only 300 units are produced annually, the drying process is extended to 60 months or more.
The end of the drying process marks the beginning of another fascinating stage, one that we have been practicing for over a century: immersion. This technique was introduced by the founder of our cooperage and has become a hallmark of our craftsmanship. But we’ll tell you more about it in another post.
By the way, you’re probably curious to know the exact magic humidity level, but we’ll have to keep that secret to ourselves.
