Are you picking your grapes at the right time?
Picking grapes at just the right time will ensure good wine and eating quality. It will also ensure an excellent flavour.
Notice the use of a refractometer, this is the quickest way you really know what the % suger is in the the grapes. Sugar content in grapes can be measured several different ways. Another handy tool that every winemaker should have is a hydrometer. A hydrometer is an instrument used for determining the specific gravity of liquids. It is usually made of glass and consists of a cylindrical stem and a bulb weighted with mercury or shot to make it float upright. The liquid is poured into a tall jar, and the hydrometer is gently lowered into the liquid until it floats freely.
The point where the surface of the liquid touches the stem of the hydrometer is noted.
A clear plastic tube that is filled with grape juice. The sugar content of the juice is measured in brix, and is determined by the hydrometer that is placed into the tube and floats in the grape juice. Take several bunches of grapes from different parts of a row and squeeze them in a plastic bag. 17 brix to 23 brix is what you are looking for, but some winemaker prefer to harvest no later than 17 brix – it is believed that this ensures a better wine flavour. It is up to you to experiment witn different brix levels, to be sure at what brix your grapes should be picked.
Here is what a refractometer looks like
Have a grape (great) day
Danie
Tagged with: how to grow grapes
Filed under: growing grapes • how to grow grapes
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I’m new to your site and have enjoyed looking around! I will refer my parents to your site as they just purchased a new home which has several (unknown) varietals looking like they should be harevested here in Portland, Oregon, USA. I went to the wine and beer shop around the corner from my home to get a refractometer and a book on their shelves said that it is VERY important the time of day and weather of the day they are harvested, but, sadly, said no more about it. I looked in several other books there and none of them mentioned anything about it. It appears I’ve found the Master though, I thought it worth asking! I’ve also read very many differing opinions about harvesting while skin it taut, beginning to wrinkle, after the first frost, etc. Is there a general correct response or is it all dependent on the variety…which we don’t know? Thank you in andvance for any information you may have!