Making great tasting wine involves a lot of decisions and the small things can have a big impact on the resulting wine. One of the biggest decisions and probably the most critical, is the decision of when to pick the grapes.
In the lead up to the first harvest we spend a lot of time in the vineyard sampling and tasting, predicting when ripeness will be reached and estimating yield to be had. If there is too much fruit the vine will struggle to ripen evenly, too little canopy and the grapes will be exposed and not taste as good. It’s all about balance; balance on the vine will mean a balanced wine.
Keeping one eye on the weather forecast the grapes start to roll into the winery block by block. Harvest dates chop and change as I strive for the best tasting fruit we can possibly get. Harvest half of the block early for fresh acidity and leave the other half to get riper flavours. Every tonne of grapes has to go through the same small grape press, it is a juggling act and the winery staff play the role of the clowns.
The juice begins to bubble away as the grape sugars ferment into alcohol, the air is filled with beautiful citrus, tropical fruits and heady yeast aromas as different juices slowly become wine. In a few short months it will be crystal clear and neatly packaged into bottles to enjoy with food and friends.
Bimbadgen – 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Bimbadgen
Bimbadgen
Bimbadgen
