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

The grape harvest season is here! For those who love wine and are curious about how wine is made in southern France, 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 Vendanges

Harvesting the fruit marks a crucial phase in winemaking. Known as the “”vendanges”” in France, this is when grapes reach their peak ripeness, delivering the perfect balance of sugars, acids, and flavors. The season typically falls between late summer and early fall, depending on the region, grape variety, and weather conditions.

Timing is Everything in Viticulture

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

Hand-Harvesting vs. Mechanized Harvesting

Hand-harvesting affords a more precise selection of grapes and tends to better protect the juice from oxidation due to damaged skins. Mechanical harvesters allow for a more efficient, often cost-effective process and are well-suited for large vineyards situated on flat ground.

Nocturnal Harvesting for Optimal Quality

Nocturnal harvesting has become a trend in recent years, helping preserve the grape’s natural acidity and delicate aromas. During the cool nighttime hours, it 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 are typically next in line, taking a little longer to fully mature. Pinot Noir is an earlier red ripener, 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.

The Next Chapter: Turning Grapes into Wine

The next vinification phase begins after the grapes are carefully harvested and sorted. This is where the true transformation happens, as the grapes 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 post.

Big Thanks to A Wine Affair for the inside story! Stay tuned!

Here is a simple timeline for the grape harvesting process 

Key Stages and Dates

Late August – Late 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.

The Vendanges

Stay tuned as we dive into turning fruit into fine wine.