THE VINEYARD AND ITS FRUIT: WHERE CHANGE IS THE CONSTANT

The harvest is just a few days away... and our grapes are in the final stretch of their ripening cycle...  [For a complete overview , check our HARVEST 2022 ANNUAL REPORT)

Now we will focus on the white varieties, for they will be the first ones to complete their cycle and, therefore, to be harvested. Our Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, stellar pieces within our classic Bordeaux blend Paradoux Blanc, have been slowly developing those characteristics that make them ideal partners. 

So far, in beginning of February, the grapes have grown but have not yet reached optimum ripeness. At this stage they have a hard texture, a greenish colour, high acidity and low sugar levels and the flavours have not yet developed. 

Closer to harvest (most likely the last week of this month), the grapes will swell and fill with water. As they ripen, sugar levels increase and acid levels decrease. Colour pigments and flavour compounds also build up at this time and tannins develop. As for the colour, these white varieties will be changing from that greenish colour to a more translucent, golden colour. 

All that remains is to wait and take care that this cycle completes its course... 

In this photo, Facu, our agronomist, visiting the different parts of the vineyards early this month, checking the health and ripeness of the grapes. These walks become more frequent and necessary as harvest time approaches.  

MEANWHILE, IN THE WINERY

While in the vineyard the cycle is a little calmer, at least as far as the viticultural practices necessary to preserve healthy grapes under an organic working philosophy are concerned, the preparations in the winery are a little more bustling and busy. 

The main actions are aimed at generating space, setting up the work teams, preparing the necessary machinery for the reception of the grapes (such as pumps, presses, sorting belt and cooling equipment) and the specific cleaning of the reception and fermentation area. 

Space is freed up in barrels and vats, especially by bottling. This is the main time for blending and bottling; hands on action to bring to the bottle those wines that have been ageing in barrels, as well as those preserved in tanks and vats, in which we have sought to preserve the most primary properties of the fruit. Our wines are mostly made up of a blend of these two universes, according to the decision of our winemaking team and their interpretation of each vintage.

This is how we find ourselves in Altocedro winery and in our vineyards as we get ready for a new harvest, which will come with its own imprint, its own challenges and its own bonanza. All that remains is to take care of every detail and to be prepared and attentive to any eventuality that may arise and to every sign that our beloved nature shows us.