Sugar ripeness: one axis of ripeness

The standard

A measured sugar ripeness names what it captures — the sugar concentration of the must — and appears as one axis among several. As the sole proof of ripeness, a high must weight overstates the ripeness of the berry.

Criteria

• The value denotes the sugar concentration, not the ripeness of the whole berry
• It is reported as one ripeness axis, not as ripeness itself
• Its basis — the must weight — is named

Distinction

Sugar ripeness ≠ physiological ripeness: the must weight measures the accumulation, not the state of the berry body. Sugar ripeness ≠ tannin ripeness: a berry can be sweet and at the same time green in its tannins. A measured sugar ripeness therefore remains one axis, not an overall verdict.