13.3 Grape Reception - Sorting

Question 1

What 4 factors determine the level of sorting?

Answer 1

1. Ripeness level
2. Health of grapes upon arrival
3. Intended final wine quality and price
4. Pre-sorting has been done in vineyard (e.g., skilled labour)
5. Physical state of grapes - too crushed = too liquidy to sort

Question 2

How does the level of sorting add to cost?

Answer 2

• Labour / time needed for meticulous sorting
• Higher standards = less yield
• Judgement needs to be made as to level of sorting and expected profit

Question 3

Describe the level of sorting for inexpensive wines.

Answer 3

No sorting at all needed.

Question 4

Name 3 sorting methods for premium wines.

Answer 4

1. Pre-sorting while hand-harvesting in the vineyard
2. Handsorting at sorting tables
   * Can take place before and/or after destemming
3. Optical sorting