9. Harvest

Question 1

What has the context for making decisions about when to harvest changed to? (3)

Answer 1

1) a generally warmer climate
2) better viticulture – allowing grapes to ripen fully
3) focus on aroma/tannin ripeness

Question 2

What steps can be taken to improve the quality of machine harvested grapes? (4)

Answer 2

1) select out undesirable fruits by hand before
2) use bow-rod shaking machine (gentler version)
3) newest machines have optical sorting devices
4) rigorous sorting upon arrival at winery

Question 3

What are advantages of machine harvesting? (4)

Answer 3

1) faster and cheaper
2) don’t need as many trained staff
3) grapes can be harvested at night (cooler)
4) timing can wait until desired level of ripeness and then harvested quickly

Question 4

What are disadvantages of machine harvesting? (4)

Answer 4

1) less gentle, doesn’t keep bunches intact
2) not economic/practical for small scale vineyards
3) unsuitable for growers that have different varieties on same plot
4) can’t be done on slopes

Question 5

What are the advantages of hand harvesting? (2)

Answer 5

1) pickers can be highly selective, deal with higher slopes and mixed plantings
2) if grapes are put in stackable crates – it avoids crushing of grapes

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of hand harvesting? (2)

Answer 6

1) more expensive and requires availability of reliable work source
2) must be done during daylight hours in temperatures that aren’t too high

Question 7

What are some examples of when hand harvesting is required? (4)

Answer 7

1) for premium sparkling wines (whole bunches are required)
2) Beaujolais (carbonic maceration requires whole bunches)
3) styles that require only BA grapes
4) on steep slopes, uneven land and bush vines