THE CHOICE
Harvest Timing
The Choice
What is Harvest Timing?
Harvest timing is the decision of when to pick the grapes. Unlike many crops, grapes are not simply harvested when they are ripe. The exact day and sometimes even the exact hour, they are picked can dramatically influence the style of the finished wine.
Once the grapes are harvested, there is no going back.
Its consequence
Why does it matter?
As grapes ripen, they change every day. Sugar levels increase, acidity gradually falls, tannins soften, flavours develop and aromas become more complex. Picking too early or too late can completely change the balance of the wine.
The perfect harvest is a moving target. Adding to the challenge, winemakers are also watching the weather. A forecast of rain, heat, wind or hail can force a difficult decision: pick now, or risk waiting for even better ripeness.
The range
What does it do to the wine?
Harvest timing is one of the biggest influences on a wine's style.
Earlier harvesting
Fresher wines with higher acidity, lower alcohol and vibrant fruit flavours.
Later harvesting
Richer wines with riper fruit, fuller body and higher alcohol.
Very late harvesting
Can produce intensely sweet dessert wines if the grapes concentrate on the vine.
Perfect timing
Creates harmony between freshness, flavour, structure and balance.
A difference of only a few days can noticeably change the character of a wine.
The method
How do winemakers decide?
Harvest is rarely based on a single measurement. For weeks before picking, winemakers walk through the vineyards collecting grape samples from different rows and blocks. These samples are tested for sugar, acidity and pH, while the grapes are also tasted to judge their flavour, tannin ripeness and texture.
At the same time, weather forecasts are studied constantly. A spell of hot weather may accelerate ripening, while approaching rain can dilute the grapes or increase the risk of disease.
The final decision combines science, experience, instinct and a little courage.
The final word
In the world of Aurenloch
Harvest timing is one of the Choices. The Forces have shaped the vineyard throughout the year, but the grower and winemaker must decide when nature has spoken its final word.
It is perhaps the most defining choice of the entire vintage, a single moment that cannot be repeated or undone.
Did you know?
During harvest, many winemakers begin tasting grapes weeks before they are picked, visiting the same vineyard block almost every day. The decision often comes down to just a few days, or even a few hours, as they wait for the perfect balance while keeping one eye firmly on the weather forecast.