The ban de vendanges is set for Thursday 24th September here in the Vouvray appellation. That means; from the 24th, growers may pick their grapes as and when they like. But not before.
Ah well maybe before. If a grower has a parcel that is more ripe than the others and has special derogation from the authorities to pick in avance.
Special permission must be sought or the grower will lose the right to use the appellation Vouvray.
Talking to Peter Hahn on Saturday last week he was intending to get out and pick a little earlier as his potential alcohols were registering 12.5. All looking good. Until, 20mm of rain fell over the previous 2 days and the potential alcohol dropped by a whole percent. Back down to 11.5. Not ripe enough to pick.
Rain just before harvest is quickly taken up by the grapes resulting in a greater volume of juice but a lowering of potential alcohol.
So, it’s back to waiting and testing. Waiting and testing.
