Wood drying is exceedingly important. The tree is felled in winter, during its dormant phase, with a humidity which then ranges from 70 to 80%. The staves are prepared (by splitting or sawing) and are dried until the humidity has dropped to 15 - 16%. This process can in fact be achieved in an artificial dryer (although this process is definitely not recommended). Ideally, drying should be natural, by stacking the staves in the fresh air for three years, for American oak (very dense) or for one and a half to two years for French oak. In this way, in addition to gradually reducing the humidity, the rain waters remove the bitterest tannins and resins and the sun's UVA rays modify the composition of certain substances, making them more aromatic.