As the days progress, we approach the most special time of the year: the grape harvest, marking the end of a challenging twelve-month cycle in vine cultivation.
Grapes become the heart of our process, and their health is crucial to ensuring the excellence of our wine. They are the essential ingredient in the recipe: if the grapes have issues, any possibility of creating a great wine is nullified.
In the world of viticulture, we consider a grape “healthy” when it is harvested at the right moment, not too green nor excessively ripe but at a balanced point. This state of maturity influences the amount of sugar in the must and, consequently, the alcohol proportion during fermentation.
Each grape variety has its own ripening pace. Some varieties ripen early, while others require more time. It’s like a ballet where synchronization is crucial. An early harvest can result in acidic wines, while an overripe grape will produce heavy and excessively sweet wines.
Regarding our red varieties, Pinot Noir is the first to be harvested to preserve its freshness, acidity, and medium body. Next, we harvest Malbec, our emblematic Argentine grape.
In our case, the grape harvest begins with the collection of grapes for sparkling wines, such as the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals, which are harvested a bit before full ripeness to preserve their freshness. Then, we focus on white grapes, starting with Sauvignon Blanc, which requires care to preserve its acidity. Another white grape we harvest at this time is Riesling, a varietal that also demands meticulous care in the vineyard to achieve lively wines.
Regarding our red varieties, Pinot Noir is the first to be harvested to preserve its freshness, acidity, and medium body. Next, we harvest Malbec, our emblematic Argentine grape. Finally, it’s the turn of Cabernet Sauvignon, the most solemn and stately red, whose standout specimens often undergo long aging in wooden barrels.
Determining the optimal ripeness point is crucial for achieving balanced wines in terms of sugar and acidity. Thus, our meticulous attention at the time of harvesting each variety stands as the first step in creating memorable wines that linger in the memories of those fortunate enough to taste them.
