Harvest Timing: A Choice, Not a Calendar Date

The standard

A parcel-by-parcel harvest release determines when a parcel is picked, independent of a fixed date. Without a parcel-by-parcel harvest release, picking follows a single date, regardless of the state of ripeness.

Criteria

• The decision is made separately for each parcel
• It rests on measured or tasted ripeness, not on a date
• It is fixed shortly before harvest
• A shift is justified, not made automatically

Distinction

Harvest timing ≠ Phenolic Ripeness: it describes the state of the tannins, harvest timing the decision derived from it. Harvest timing ≠ High Alcohol and Ripeness: this concerns the consequence of sugar content, not the decision itself.