Discuss the major factors that impact the timing of harvest in a vineyard. (2021, Q2)

Question 1

Why are grapes for Champagne harvested early?

Answer 1

To preserve high acidity and moderate sugar (typically 18–21°Brix), supporting a fresh base wine with ~10–11% alcohol after second fermentation.

Question 2

How does intended wine style affect harvest timing in Napa Valley?

Answer 2

Producers targeting rich, full-bodied reds delay harvest for higher sugar and full phenolic ripeness; those seeking freshness pick earlier to retain acidity and avoid excessive alcohol.

Question 3

What harvest strategy is used in Sauternes for botrytized wines?

Answer 3

Multiple selective passes (tries) are made to harvest only botrytized berries at optimal concentration, often in mid to late October.

Question 4

How does a heatwave impact harvest decisions in regions like Barossa and Napa?

Answer 4

Heatwaves accelerate ripening, causing sugar spikes, acid drop, and potential berry shrivel; growers may harvest early to avoid over-ripeness and preserve balance.

Question 5

What are typical challenges during harvest in Bordeaux or Burgundy?

Answer 5

Autumn rainfall and high humidity increase risk of dilution and rot; growers may pick early to avoid disease

Question 6

Why is night harvesting common in Marlborough and Napa?

Answer 6

To preserve aromatic freshness, minimize oxidation, and maintain acidity by picking grapes at cool nighttime temperatures.

Question 7

How does vineyard variability influence harvest timing?

Answer 7

Differences in aspect, soil, vine vigor, and age lead to uneven ripening, requiring staged or block-by-block harvest for optimal quality.

Question 8

How do legal rules influence harvest timing in Champagne?

Answer 8

The CIVC sets official start dates per village to ensure grapes reach minimum ripeness; early picking is restricted unless authorized.

Question 9

Why might wineries delay harvest despite optimal ripeness?

Answer 9

Constraints such as labour shortages, machine harvester availability, and limited processing capacity may force growers to delay picking.

Question 10

How do winemakers in Marlborough balance flavor profiles in Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 10

By blending grapes harvested at different ripeness levels: early-picked fruit for herbal notes, later fruit for tropical flavors.

Question 11

What key elements determine grape ripeness for harvest timing?

Answer 11

Sugar accumulation, acidity levels, phenolic maturity (tannin and color), and aromatic development.

Question 12

Why is Brix level important in determining harvest time?

Answer 12

It estimates sugar content and potential alcohol, helping decide when grapes meet style goals for different wine types.

Question 13

Why are Riesling grapes harvested at different times in the Mosel?

Answer 13

To produce a range of styles: Kabinett (early), Spätlese/Auslese (mid to late), and BA/TBA (very late with botrytis).

Question 14

How does Marlborough manage harvest to create complex Sauvignon Blancs?

Answer 14

By harvesting in multiple passes: early for green thiol flavors, later for tropical notes, then blending.

Question 15

Why is hang time extended in Napa for some red wines?

Answer 15

To allow full phenolic ripeness and eliminate green flavors like methoxypyrazines in Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 16

What is the impact of autumn rainfall on harvest timing?

Answer 16

It can cause berry swelling, dilution, and promote fungal diseases, often forcing earlier picking.

Question 17

How do heatwaves affect harvest timing in hot regions like Barossa?

Answer 17

They accelerate sugar accumulation, reduce acidity, and can cause berry shrivel, requiring rapid picking.

Question 18

What are common weather risks that disrupt harvest timing?

Answer 18

Rain, hail, frost, heatwaves, and wildfire smoke can force early picking or destroy crops.

Question 19

How does labour availability affect harvest timing?

Answer 19

Shortages may delay picking or force vineyards to prioritize blocks, especially in hand-harvested regions.

Question 20

What advantage does machine harvesting provide?

Answer 20

Faster, flexible picking (especially at night), allowing quick response to optimal ripeness or bad weather.

Question 21

How does winery capacity influence harvest scheduling?

Answer 21

Limited press or tank space may delay picking until equipment is available, requiring careful planning.

Question 22

What legal rule controls harvest timing in Champagne?

Answer 22

The CIVC sets official start dates per village based on monitored ripeness metrics.

Question 23

Why might a block be picked early even if not ideal?

Answer 23

Due to logistic constraints like harvester availability, labor scheduling, or winery capacity limits.

Question 24

What is the purpose of picking in phases or multiple passes?

Answer 24

To capture optimal ripeness for different wine styles or address variable vineyard conditions.

Question 25

What impact did the 2022 heatwave have on Napa’s harvest schedule?

Answer 25

It compressed harvest timing, making whites and reds ripen simultaneously; many wineries rushed to pick to avoid over-ripeness.

Question 26

Why is canopy management important for delaying harvest during wet years in Bordeaux?

Answer 26

Leaf removal improves airflow and reduces rot pressure, allowing longer hang time if conditions stabilize.

Question 27

How does climate change affect harvest timing globally?

Answer 27

Warming has shifted harvests earlier in many regions, allowing full ripeness in cooler climates but creating risks of overripeness elsewhere.

Question 28

What are the limitations of machine harvesting during peak season?

Answer 28

Machine availability may be limited; vineyards may have to wait their turn, delaying harvest of some blocks beyond ideal timing.

Question 29

How can winery processing capacity influence harvest timing?

Answer 29

Limited tank or press space can delay picking until fermenters are available, forcing a staggered harvest regardless of grape ripeness.

Question 30

What is the main purpose of the introduction in the harvest timing essay?

Answer 30

To define harvest timing as a critical viticultural decision and introduce the four key influencing factors: ripeness & style, climate & disease, logistics, and other practical considerations.

Question 31

What are the four main pillars (body sections) of the harvest timing essay?

Answer 31

1. Grape ripeness and intended wine style 2. Climatic conditions and disease pressure 3. Labour and logistical constraints 4. Additional practical considerations (e.g. vineyard variability, legal rules)

Question 32

What is the focus of the ‘Ripeness and Intended Style’ section?

Answer 32

To explain how wine style dictates ideal harvest parameters (sugar, acid, phenolics) and varies by region and grape, with real-world examples like Champagne, Napa, Mosel, etc.

Question 33

What is the focus of the ‘Climatic Conditions and Disease Pressure’ section?

Answer 33

To show how weather risks (rain, rot, heat, frost, hail, fire) can override ripeness goals and force early or delayed picking. Includes examples from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa, Barossa, Mosel, etc.

Question 34

What is the focus of the ‘Labour and Logistical Constraints’ section?

Answer 34

To discuss how workforce availability, machine harvest logistics, winery capacity, and terrain affect when and how vineyards can realistically harvest their fruit.

Question 35

What is the focus of the ‘Additional Practical Considerations’ section?

Answer 35

To explore vineyard-level variation, variety-specific ripening, legal harvest rules (e.g. Champagne, Germany), and how tradition, regulation, and site conditions shape the real harvest timeline.

Question 36

What should the conclusion emphasize in a well-structured MW essay on harvest timing?

Answer 36

That harvest timing is a balancing act between ideal grape quality and practical realities; and that top producers manage all four factors to optimize fruit for their target wine style.