With the arrival of summer, colour takes centre stage in the vineyard. Veraison is one of the most beautiful and striking phases of the grapevine cycle.
This biological phenomenon occurs at the moment when the grapes begin to acquire purplish, bluish and reddish hues. The fruits, which have been swelling as the formation of the bunches is completed, change both externally and internally.
On the one hand, the grape skin colours up. Depending on the variety, it takes on various shades. Each fruit takes between one and two days to complete its colouring, but as this process happens unevenly, the colours of the vineyard turn out to be heterogeneous.
The reason why red grapes lose their green tones is because the development of the berry is temporarily halted and the pigments characteristic of chlorophyll disappear. At this moment, the distinct hues and personality of each variety are defined.
On the other hand, the arrest of grain growth indicates the beginning of the alcoholic and phenolic ripening of the cluster, since during this phase, the grapes begin to accumulate sugars, aromas, acids and other compounds that will be fundamental in the fermentation process.
During this stage, the conditions that the vineyard can suffer from fungi and other external organisms are reduced. Nevertheless, it remains essential to carry out constant field analyses to measure the evolution of the bunch and know when its optimal ripening state will be to proceed with the next harvest.
At Bodegas Rodero we work to harvest our «black pearls» at the exact moment we know their quality is at its peak, because our wines are a reflection of the passion, effort and dedication with which we continue our family's legacy.