We talked to Guillaume Fabre of Clos Solene last week, out in the Russell Family Vineyard where he grows his Petit Verdot vines. Well, we’re back with Gui and he’s telling us a little more about “Green Harvest” along with some info on how he prunes the vines to get the most out of the sun exposure.
The Green Harvest technique is used to thin out the berry clusters so that you end up with a more concentrated wine. By trimming off the smaller, weaker, and cluttered clusters it lets the vine focus all its efforts on the remaining clusters. They end up with more sugars, fuller flavors and a richer texture.
Now, about the vine pruning; the direction that the vines face will determine what the best approach to pruning will be. Guillaume’s Petit Verdot vines run North to South, so one side gets the morning sun and one side gets the heat of the afternoon sun. He prunes so that a canopy will develop on the west-facing side so that when the sun is at is strongest, the leaves provide a protective shield from the scorching Paso Summer sun. Meanwhile, the fruit gets the cool morning sun that helps the vines to develop the sugars that make the wine pop!
There’s so much that happens out in the vineyards to affect the wines…it’s fascinating! The more we learn, the more we enjoy and appreciate the wines! Join us for a little trip through the vines with our friend, Guillaume…
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQcxx0zCLfw[/youtube]
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I feel that knowing more about the vineyards and the production of wine adds to the overall wine tasting experience. I love to get out in the vineyards to take photos too.
Hey Renee, Hoot here…I feel ya, knowing where the juice actually comes from is an added benefit. I love coming across the wine people that enjoy sharing that stuff…super cool times!! Cheers!!