Fun facts about the grape harvest:
- The sequence of grape harvesting: grape harvesting is a precise art, dictated by nature and the ripeness of the grapes. It always begins with the base grapes for sparkling wines (which require higher acidity and freshness), often Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, before moving on to white and then red grapes.
- Tradition vs. innovation: grape harvesting is an ancient tradition that requires great effort, heat endurance, and patience. Many companies have transitioned to mechanized grape harvesting, where robots collect the grapes.
- The delicacy of Picolit: the grapes used for sweet wine, such as those for Picolit, are harvested last when the sugars are concentrated to the maximum. This grape harvest is very unique; the grapes are carefully placed, one by one, in crates and left to dry.
- The Charm of Must: Right after the harvest, the magic begins in the winery. The grapes go through the destemmer and press, giving rise to the must, a true delight.
From there, the winemaking process begins, with the most important phase being fermentation, the transformation of sugars into alcohol.
Cheers!