My modest harvest took place today under ideal conditions. Three varieties were picked. First, Pinot Noir. Nicely ripe, about 10% of berries affected by rot. Bacchus: unfortunately not very much, but the berries were in perfect condition and tasted great. Then Phoenix, a heavy cropper, but about 50% of the berries were affected by botrytis and other fungi: heavy rain had caused some to split, which led to disaster.
Because of the amount of rot, I had to hand destem all the healthy berries. For the first time, I used a little sulfur dioxide for the white in case there is any laccase present from the rot (although I tried not to let any rotten berries through my draconian selection). Quantities are tiny, of course, so it will be interesting to see whether anything drinkable results.
This is the blog of wine journalist Jamie Goode, online since 2001. Feel free to nose around; your comments are welcomed.
Congratulations on getting your 2010 grapes in
Hi Jamie, sorry just to check – I am under the impression that laccase is SO2 resistant? Am I incorrect?
Vinogirl, how is your 2010 harvest going?
Tom, that’s a good point. I’ll double check.
I’ve just planted a Muller Thurgau vine, courtesy of my friends at the Urban Wine Company. It certainly looks an attractive addition to the garden (although currently in a trough in a sunny spot).
Looking forward to hearing more about your vintage…
If I may, yes, there is little action of SO2 against lacasse, and what’s even scarier is to know that healthy looking grapes may indeed contain the enzime. You’ll know it in a few weeks if the resulting wine gets oxidized faster than usual.
regards from Chile in spring