The vine cycle

A DEEP JOURNEY THROUGH THE SEASONS

Welcome, wine lovers and curious about the wine world!

Today, I'm excited to take you on this detailed exploration of the grape cycle, a multi-movement symphony where each season plays its unique role in creating the best wines. Sit back and dive into the intricacies of each step with me.

1- WINTER REST: SLEEP (DECEMBER-FEBRUARY)

The vine cycle is an annual ballet that begins with winter rest, a period of dormancy during which the vine stores the energy necessary for the coming spring. The winegrowers, during this period, engage in meticulous work of precise pruning. This operation is crucial because the way the vines are pruned has a direct impact on the quantity and quality of the future grapes. It is a moment when every cut counts, where every gesture influences the yield and flavor of the grapes to come.

Winemakers use different pruning methods to shape vines according to their preferences and the specific characteristics of the vineyard. These methods include Guyot, Simple Guyot, Mixed Guyot, Cordon, and Gobelet… Here they are:

• Guyot

This pruning method consists of leaving a long main arm on which future bunches of grapes will grow. A number of spurs (branches) are cut short, carrying buds for the next season. It is a method that allows a good balance between vegetative growth and fruit production.

• Guyot Simple

This method is similar to Guyot, but with a variation. Instead of leaving a long main arm, we only leave a short one. This method is often used in areas where spring frosts can damage buds because the main bud is lower on the plant and therefore less exposed.

• Guyot Mixed

It is a combination of Guyot and Guyot Simple. Some arms are cut long (Guyot) and others short (Guyot Simple). This method offers some flexibility and is suitable for vineyards where conditions vary from one plot to another.

• Cord

In this method, the main trunk of the vine is cut short, leaving horizontal branches called cordons. These cords carry the buds which will give rise to the bunches of grapes. This is a method commonly used in southern vineyards.

• Cup

The Gobelet is a traditional method where the vine is pruned into a short, stocky bush, resembling a drinking glass (hence the name). The branches grow freely outwards. This method is often used in warm regions where the shade of the leaves protects the grapes from the scorching sun.

2- WAKE UP IN SPRING: CRYING (MARCH-MAY)

With spring and the arrival of milder temperatures, the buds of the vines begin to bloom, announcing the start of a new season. However, winegrowers remain vigilant, because spring frosts can cause irreparable damage to young shoots. To protect themselves, they use different techniques:

• Water Spraying : This method involves spraying the vines with water before frost is expected to arrive. The water freezes and forms a protective layer of ice around the buds. This ice acts as a thermal barrier, preventing the buds from suffering cold damage.
• Heat Candles : Heat candles are placed between rows of vines and lit during cold nights. They produce gentle heat which prevents temperatures around the vines from dropping too low. However, this method is expensive and requires constant monitoring.
• Wind towers: Wind towers are devices that stir air near the ground. By mixing cold air near the ground with warmer air aloft, wind towers raise the temperature near the vines, providing protection against frost. Some areas with large resources can even call on helicopters.
• Hail cannons: These cannons work by launching projectiles (like rockets) into the atmosphere. These projectiles, once in the air, release chemicals that promote the formation of tiny ice cores. These cores encourage the formation of smaller hailstones, reducing their impact when they reach the ground.

Additionally, the vine, when pruned, can produce tears or “crys” of sap, a natural phenomenon that shows that the plant is active and healthy.

3- FLOWERING (JUNE)

At the start of summer, the vines are adorned with magnificent clusters of flowers. This is a crucial step, because the pollination of the flowers marks the beginning of the grape formation process. Vineyards buzz with activity, attracting bees and other essential pollinators.

Flowering is a crucial stage where vines produce delicate flowers. Every flower has the potential to become a grape. Weather conditions during this period have a significant impact on yield. Dry, warm weather promotes successful flowering, while excessive rain or cold temperatures can lead to coulure, where the flowers drop prematurely, reducing the potential harvest.

4- THE FORMATION OF CLUSTERS (JULY-AUGUST)

During the summer, the grapes continue to grow and ripen. Winegrowers ensure that the vines receive sufficient water and sun to ensure good growth of the grape clusters. This is also the ideal time to carry out green harvests, delicately removing certain clusters to allow others to concentrate and fully ripen.

This period is essential for determining the quality and quantity of the future harvest, and it includes several key phases: fruit set, leaf stripping, veraison and ripening.

• Fruit setting :
  

  Fruit set is the phase where the fertilized flowers transform into small fruits, young grapes.

• Leaf removal :
  

  This allows better exposure of the grapes to light and air, thus promoting uniform ripening.

• Veraison:
  

  Veraison is a key stage where the grapes begin to change color, going from green to red for red grapes or from green to yellow for white grapes. This is also the time when grapes accumulate sugars and lose acidity, which is essential for the development of the wine's flavor and aromatic profile.

 

• Ripening:
  

  Ripening is the last phase before harvest, where the grapes continue to ripen, accumulating sugars, aromas and phenolic compounds. The grapes are tasted regularly to assess their sugar level, acidity and aromatic maturity. Winemakers decide the optimal time for harvest based on these factors, as well as their own winemaking style and the type of wine they wish to produce. We can distinguish 3 main types of different maturities:

5- THE HARVEST (SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER)

The long-awaited moment has finally arrived!! The harvest during this period allows winegrowers to harvest their grapes manually or mechanically, everyone has the choice depending on the appellations.

The harvest is the culmination of a whole year of hard work. The harvest is often a festive event, this is the time when the winegrowers should not be disturbed. Because every day can make a difference in the ripening of the grapes. Late harvests can extend until November for grapes that require a prolonged maturation time.

6- SLEEPING (NOVEMBER)

After harvest, the vines go dormant again. The leaves change color, creating a magnificent fall spectacle in the vineyards. This is the time when winemakers evaluate the vintage, reflect on successes and challenges, and plan for the following year. It’s also the perfect time to plant new vines!

In conclusion, each season brings its share of challenges and rewards, shaping the unique character of each vintage. The passion and dedication of the winemakers shines through in every wine we taste, reminding us of the intimate connection between nature, man and wine.

So, the next time you enjoy a glass, remember this journey through the seasons, the vines that grow and the subtle art of our terroir! 🍇🍷