09/14/2024
Why are some wineries picking grapes sooner than others?
Various reasons include the grape variety (some ripen sooner than others), the vineyard's micro-climate, elevation, and soils, and the winemaker's style and purpose. As grapes ripen, their sugar levels (measured in brix) increase and acidity decreases.
Grapes like our Pinot Meunier will be picked earlier (when the sugar levels are lower and acidity is higher) for sparkling. We wait for the sugars to rise and acids to decrease for still Pinot Meunier.
For the same reason that red wines are picked earlier for Sparkling, reds are also picked earlier for Rose resulting in crisp, refreshing low-alcohol wine.
Some winemakers also pick reds for still wines at lower sugar levels because they want to make lighter, lower-alcohol wines.
At Bjornson, our winemaker Scott is carefully evaluating all aspects to pick our grapes at the perfect time.
