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from grapes to wine...
Picking, pressing and fermenting
Scherrer Winery's 2006 Helfer
Vineyard Chardonnay
Scherrer Winery's 2006 Helfer
Vineyard Chardonnay
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| Fred points out a grape in the middle of a cluster that has been affected by botrytis. This is a particularly bad sample and one of the reasons that Don Helfer is concerned. Once botrytis starts to take hold, it spreads quickly. Based on the samples that Don Helfer has brought over, the decision is made to harvest the next morning. None of the actors in this story operate in a vacuum. When he decides to harvest, Don needs to be sure that Fred can receive and crush the grapes the next day. He must also be sure that he can organize his crew of pickers on very short notice. With labor in short supply and many growers in the area on the same schedule, the logistical organization required to pick grapes at the right moment is complex. Over the course of my time with Fred, he spoke frequently and at length about his need for organization and structure during harvest. Remember that he has grapes coming in from vineyards across the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Alexander Valley. If you do not manage details exceptionally well, do not become a wine maker. |
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