Winemaking techniques: Manual harvesting – Discover the Best Wines

Hand harvesting is a traditional, painstaking approach to picking, where bunches are selected and cut by hand straight from the vine. Compared with machine harvesting it allows far closer attention to quality, since only the best bunches are chosen and the fruit is not damaged.

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What is Hand Harvesting?

The hand harvesting consists in cutting the bunches of grapes one by one, using shears or special knives, and placing them in crates or suitable containers. This technique makes it possible to eliminate damaged, unripe or rotten bunches directly in the vineyard, keeping the harvest pure.

Advantages of Manual Harvesting

1. Careful selection: Only perfect bunches are picked, guaranteeing a high level of quality.
2. Integrity of the grapes: Reduces the risk of crushing and oxidation, preserving the primary aromas.
3. Sustainability: It minimises environmental impact compared with heavy machinery.

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Stages of the Process

1. Planning the Harvest

The harvest is planned according to the ripeness of the grapes, analysing sugars, acidity and polyphenols to determine the ideal moment.

2. Preparing the Picking Teams

The picking teams are organised to work efficiently, covering every row of the vineyard.

3. Harvest and Selection

Each bunch is carefully cut and inspected. Unsuitable bunches are discarded directly in the vineyard.

4. Transport to the Winery

The grapes are taken to the cellar in small crates to avoid crushing and unwanted fermentations.

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Characteristics of the Wines Produced

Colour

• Brighter and more vivid, thanks to the preserved quality of the grapes.

Aromas

• Fruit: Primary aromas of fresh and ripe fruit.
• Floral: Purer, more delicate notes, without interference from contamination.

Palate

• Elegant and balanced: With the freshness and complexity typical of whole, undamaged grapes.
• More authentic: Fully reflects the character of the terroir.

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Ideal Grape Varieties for Manual Harvesting

Black Grape Varieties

• Nebbiolo: Perfect for long-lived wines, where every detail counts.
• Pinot Nero: Delicate and complex, it requires extreme care during harvesting.

White Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay: Often hand-picked to preserve its elegance.
• Riesling: Requires careful selection for fresh, aromatic wines.

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Why Choose a Wine from Hand Harvesting?

A wine produced from hand-picked grapes expresses at their best the uniqueness of the vineyard and the passion of the producer. Ideal for anyone looking for authenticity, quality and respect for tradition.