With vineyard work slowing down, I feel as if we are coasting toward harvest. Except for training the Petite Verdo and Moscato Giallo every 10 days or so, we have had plenty of time to work on the new filter house. The grapes are definitely ripening and all varieties are almost completely through veraison. Each week brings added sweetness to the berries. Below is a picture of each variety.
The Roussanne stands at 18.9 Brix and has a pH of 3.4. Brix is a percentage by weight of the amount of sugar in the berries and is monitored in addition to the pH. These measurements, along with taste and seed characteristics, help determine when the grapes should be harvested. The Roussanne will probably be harvested soon.
The Montepulciano has definitely gained sugar and we will begin checking the Brix and pH later in the week. It may be harvested in late August to early September.
The Aglianico is our latest ripening variety and even it is tasting sweeter rather than sour these days. As with the Montepulciano, we will begin Brix and pH testing later this week. It will probably hang until late September to mid October.
Sue Shirey says
The first photo is beautiful, it looks as if the vines could continue on indefinitely. Maybe that is an unsettling thought since you all are the ones maintaining the vineyard and I am here in my cozy camp chair admiring it all! Someday if the Lord allows I would love to come for a "work" visit! Love, Sue
Dina-Marie says
Sue, you guys are always welcome. And, I am sure we can find a hoe to fit each of you!!
jamie says
When you harvest the grapes do you pick them all by hand or is there a machine that you use?
Dina-Marie says
Jamie, thankfully there is a machine that harvests the grapes! I will post pictures when we harvest. For now though, you can see pics at Our First Machine Harvest!
KimH says
Lord, those are all beautiful plants. Its hard to imagine such a beautiful full green crop growing out in dusty west Texas.. Wishing you many blessings for a wondrous crop!!