Jack Creek Merlot, Perfect on a Rainy Day!
Here we are, almost half way through October, and harvest is moving along at a steady and consistent pace, just how we like it! The vineyards have been producing high-quality fruit at great yields and so far the weather has been on our side. With that said, Mother Nature always has a way of reminding us who is boss.
This morning as we began picking our Jack Creek Merlot (which looked fantastic, see below) the sky was gray and something in the air gave off the feeling that it might rain. Sure enough, a short while later it began to rain and continued to do so off and on all day. The rain wasn’t heavy enough to effect the harvesting or have an impact on the grapes but it was enough to remind us who is in charge.
A little rain is something we can deal with but what we really don’t want is frost. Frost can do serious damage very quickly, which is why we are constantly monitoring the forecast and our vineyard temperatures. Luckily, since there has not been significant frost yet, the Merlot we picked today was in great condition, which allowed for a very easy and efficient mechanical harvest.
Mechanical harvesting is something we use only when the grapes and vineyard warrant it and today that was the case. The sugar levels were perfect, the leaves are still green meaning they won’t fall off into the grapes and the vineyard rows have plenty of room for the tractor to come through. Even in the rain we managed a very clean harvest and the fruit looked great!
In other winery news, two new tanks arrived today making more room for this great harvest we have been having. Sometimes you’ve gotta strike while the iron’s hot and with this year’s volume we’ve needed to add a little extra space to ensure we can store it!
Until Next Time,
Cheers,
Luke
