Making amazing late harvest wines is both an art and a science, and a big part of that is knowing when and how to pick the grapes. The timing and method of harvest can really make a difference in the wine’s flavor, sweetness, and overall quality. For our winemakers who want to create rich, sweet late harvest wines like our Reserve Late Harvest Riesling or Braganini Reserve Late Harvest Vignoles, getting the hang of grape selection and harvest timing is super important.
Understanding the Significance of Timing
The key to crafting a superior late harvest wine begins long before the grapes reach maturity. The timing of the harvest is crucial—wait too long, and the grapes may become overripe or begin to deteriorate. Pick too early, and the wine may lack the desired sweetness and richness. In late harvest winemaking, grapes are typically left on the vine longer to concentrate sugars and flavors. This process often involves monitoring sugar levels meticulously, commonly using a refractometer to measure Brix. The ideal Brix level varies depending on the grape variety and desired wine style but generally ranges between 24 and 30 for sweet late harvest wines.
Assessing Grape Ripeness & Flavor Development
Beyond sugar content, tasting the grapes for flavor development is vital. Ripe late harvest grapes should exhibit concentrated, intense flavors that will translate into the wine’s complexity. Think apricot, honey, dried fruits, and floral notes! Plus, our winemakers check the acidity levels to keep the wine fresh and well-balanced. If acidity drops too much, the wine can become overly sweet and heavy, so they carefully monitor it to prevent that.
Choosing the Right Technique
Hand harvesting is often preferred for late harvest grapes, especially when delicate, selective picking is necessary to avoid overripe or rot-affected clusters. This meticulous approach allows us to choose only the best grapes, ensuring quality and consistency. Gentle handling also helps to prevent damaging the grapes, which could accelerate spoilage or fermentation issues! In certain cases, harvesters may use specialized tools or even harvest during cooler parts of the day to preserve grape integrity.
Timing & Weather Considerations
Late harvest grapes can be pretty sensitive to the weather. Rain, frost, or humidity can cause problems like mold or dilute the sugars, which can ruin the quality. That’s why winemakers need to plan carefully and keep a close eye on the weather. Often, they wait for just the right moment and might even harvest in a few rounds to pick only the best grapes.
Post-Harvest Handling
After harvest, rapid and careful transportation of grapes to the winery minimizes spoilage. Once in the cellar, gentle crushing and fermentation techniques help preserve the concentrated flavors.
In conclusion, mastering the craft of grape picking for sweet late harvest wines requires patience, keen observation, and a deep understanding of the vineyard’s nuances. By carefully timing the harvest, assessing ripeness beyond just sugar levels, and employing gentle handling techniques, winemakers can craft wines that are not only beautifully sweet but also richly layered and memorable. Ultimately, the art of late harvest picking is about patience and precision—an essential foundation for creating wines that enchant the senses and stand the test of time. Interested in trying some of our late harvest wines? Explore them here for purchase online or stop by one of our tasting rooms to pick up a bottle or two.
