Here’s How Wine is Made in Southern France: Grape Harvest

The Grape Harvest Season in Southern France

The grape harvest season, known as the vendanges in France, marks a crucial phase in winemaking. It is when grapes peak ripeness, delivering the perfect balance of sugars, acids, and flavors. This season typically falls between late summer and early fall, depending on the region, grape variety, and weather conditions.

Timing is Everything in Viticulture

The timing of the grape harvest is one of the most important viticulture decisions affecting the winemaking process. Winemakers sample grapes several days before harvest to check sugar levels. When the grapes are perfectly ripe and weather permits, the harvest begins.

Hand-Harvesting vs. Mechanized Harvesting

Although many vineyards are harvested by hand, mechanized harvesting is commonplace throughout southern France. Machines increase productivity and can run day and night, regardless of weather. Nocturnal harvesting has become a trend in recent years, helping preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and delicate aromas.

Nocturnal Harvesting for Optimal Quality

Harvesting during the cool nighttime hours helps maintain acidity and aromas, improving the overall quality of the wine. This method is especially beneficial in warmer climates, where daytime heat can affect grape quality.

Precision in Grape Selection

Hand-harvesting allows for a more precise selection of grapes, reducing the risk of oxidation caused by damaged skins. On the other hand, mechanical harvesters are more efficient and cost-effective, particularly for larger vineyards situated on flat ground.

The Order of Grape Harvesting: White Before Red

White grapes like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are generally harvested first. Grapes for sparkling wine are also harvested early to achieve lower sugar levels. Red wine grapes take slightly longer to mature, with Pinot Noir ripening first, followed by Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sorting for the Highest Quality Wines

Production of wines of the highest quality requires additional selection before further processing. Winemakers sort out unripe, damaged, or rotten berries to ensure that only the best grapes make it to fermentation. This step ensures that only those grape berries with the highest potential contribute to the final wine.

For those who love wine and cultivation, the vendanges season is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in southern French winemaking. From watching the harvest to learning about the intricate decisions that shape the wines we love, this experience is not to be missed.

The Next Chapter: Turning Grapes into Wine

With the grapes carefully harvested and sorted, the next phase—vinification—begins. This is where the true transformation happens, as the grapes start to become the wine that will eventually fill your glass. Each step, from fermentation to aging, is critical in shaping the final product’s flavor, structure, and complexity. But the intricacies of this process are a story of their own, one that we’ll explore in an upcoming blog. Stay tuned as we dive into the art of turning fruit into fine wine.

Here’s a simple timeline for the grape harvesting process with key stages and dates:

Late August – Early September:

Grape Ripening

Grapes on the vine reach peak ripeness, developing the ideal balance of sugars and acidity.

Early September:

Grape Sampling

Winemakers begin testing sugar levels in the vineyard to determine the optimal harvest time.

Mid-September:

Harvesting

•Hand-Harvesting: Labor-intensive, careful selection of grapes to prevent oxidation.

•Mechanical Harvesting: Efficient, often done at night to preserve acidity and aromas.

Late September:

Grape Sorting

Workers or machines sort harvested grapes, removing damaged or unripe berries to ensure quality.

Early October:

Grapes Ready for Fermentation

Sorted grapes are now prepared for the vinification process, starting the journey toward becoming wine.