The mesmerizing stage of grape growth known as veraison is here and harvest is near unfolding at Carhartt Family Wines. As summer wanes, the once green grape clusters now transform into a captivating palette of purples, reds, and golds. This shift signifies crucial changes within the berries, as sugars increase and acids decrease, setting the stage for the wine’s flavor and balance.
Veraison’s impact goes beyond aesthetics, affecting the development of tannins in grape skins, which influence the wine’s texture and aging potential. Vineyard management is fine-tuned by Mike Carhartt to optimize conditions, from canopy care to pest control, all contributing to healthy grape growth.
At Carhartt, anticipation for the upcoming harvest grows with veraison. The decision of when to harvest involves careful consideration of sugar levels, acidity, and tannin maturity. This well-timed process ensures the grapes are at their peak, promising exceptional wines that showcase both the vineyard’s character and the winemakers’ skill.
In essence, veraison at Carhartt Family Wines is a colorful signal of the impending harvest, embodying the artful partnership between nature and human craftsmanship. As the landscape transforms and the countdown begins, the journey from vine to wine enters its most thrilling phase.
Following veraison comes the final ripening phase, as the grapes continue to accumulate more sugars, flavors, and aromas. The grapes are closely monitored by Chase and Brooke to determine the optimal time for harvesting based on factors such as sugar content (brix), acidity levels, and overall grape health.
The decision of when to harvest is critical because it greatly influences the final quality and characteristics of the wine as well as the yield (Learn More Here). Harvesting too early might result in underripe grapes with insufficient sugar and flavor development, while harvesting too late might lead to overripe grapes with low acidity and excessive sugar levels.
Once the grapes have reached the desired maturity level, the intensive task of ‘harvesting’ them begins! Once the harvest is complete, the grapes are then transported to the winery for the winemaking process. This involves steps such as crushing, fermentation, pressing, aging, and bottling, all of which contribute to the development of the final product, wine!
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