CARVED WOOD SIGNS | BARREL
The first barrels were designed in 350 BC and are shaped to be rolled like a wheel, but can also stand upright and remain stationary. Even though barrels are remarkably watertight, there is always a slight loss of volume due to evaporation while wine or another distilled spirit is aging in an oak barrel. The evaporated portion combines water and alcohol. It is called the "Angels' Share". Winemakers account for this loss and monitor the barrels' capacity.