Véraison

 There is only one time when one can see ripeness. And that time is now. Véraison is the coloring up of grapes and the beginning of ripening. With black grapes it is very distinctive. White grape véraison is less obvious, but there is still a subtle shift in color and translucency.

 Véraison marks a biological change in the vines. The ripening stage has started. Soil moisture, sun, and heat all now have a direct bearing on the quality and style of the vintage. Véraison reminds us that we need to retreat to the cellar and crush pad in preparation. It reminds us that we should take a break and rest before the intensity of harvest arrives in 30 days. It is also the call of the wild. Birds, raccoons  bear, skunk, ground hogs, possum, deer. They like grapes too. Fencing, nets, and scare devices are being installed now.

 The vines are now entering the 50% veraison stage. When half of the grapes turn black, we record the date for each block of each variety. Harvest dates can then be projected based on past records. It’s looking a bit late this year. This is always welcome as a delayed harvest puts us in the part of September and October when cool nights and sunny days can give the best expression of terroir.

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: August 12, 2022