3.1.4.b Plot history

Taking qualitative potential into account

A plot's qualitative potential is multifaceted, depending not only on the vintage's weather conditions, but also the soil texture and structure, the plant material, the vines' health and the way the vineyard is managed, among other factors.

A historical study of a plot's behaviour can help identify its potential. If plots are harvested and vinified together, it is imperative to know their respective qualitative potential. Ideally, a high-quality plot should ideally not be blended with a moderate-quality plot. In addition to the potential for qualitative homogeneity, the potential for the homogeneity of characteristics can be taken into account (common analytical characteristics, extractability, etc.).

The possibility of dividing the plot into smaller units

When maturity levels are very uneven on the same plot, it is possible to define areas to be harvested at different dates. The topography can lead to different orientations, sun and wind exposures, and different weather conditions. These intrinsic plot characteristics can lead to differences in ripeness. To maximize the quality potential, it is advisable to harvest at maturity and in this case, intra-plot divisions may be appropriate.

Definition of the plot's organoleptic profile

Defining the ideal harvest order begins with defining the desired wine profile. If the objective is to produce a wine that expresses fresh fruit-like aromas, it is generally advisable to harvest relatively early to preserve the aromatic precursors and avoid them breaking down during ripening. If the desired wine style tends more to the expression of ripe fruit, it is preferable to let the grapes finish ripening and for the sugars to become more concentrated. Through experience, the winegrower becomes familiar with the identity of each plot and its potential. The plot's profile changes little from year to year, except in the case of young vines.

Plot's behaviour at the end of the cycle in previous years in relation to Botrytis

A plot's past history and its behaviour when faced with various vine diseases can provide a lot of essential information when it comes to setting an optimal harvest date. For example, when the plot's grape variety is vigorous and matures late in the season, it is possible that the weather conditions could limit the grape's qualitative potential. Rainfall (in September and October), can at this stage, cause the berries to burst and lose their elasticity, increasing the risk of contamination by Botrytis. While this phenomenon can occur randomly, it is also possible to observe the same patterns in specific plots over the years. In such cases, it is advisable to monitor the plot's health and ripeness as well as the weather forecast. If conditions are poor and the risk of disease increases, the harvest date can be brought forward in order to reduce any risk of a reduction in yields and the quality of the grapes or of wines produced from botrytized grapes.

Maturity monitoring analysis combined with tastings and knowledge of the quality profiles and plot potential enables optimal management of harvest dates.