Yesterday morning the whole vintage team at les Terrer Promises worked together in the winery, which was a pretty unique experience. We started of by sorting the Grenache, Cincault and Carignan we picked this weekend. The grapes had been kept in the original cases in a cooler truck, as this allowed the grapes to be cooled before we destem and start fermention. The team first checked the grapes for rot and green/unsuitable berries. This is pretty important for natural wine – when no additives are used to correct/change the wine all the flavours come from the grapes – and the terrior – so it is even more important to use “clean” grapes.
Grenache in tank waiting for fermentation to start
After the sorting we started the destemming, which was actually a pretty manual exercise… Two guys lifted the cases of grapes into the destemmer, the grapes are collected in a clean case, and the stems are collected in another case. This means we were between 5-7 people at helping with the destemming. The destemmed grapes are thrown in a tank which is then covered by a “chapeau”. Every day the temperature will be taken to see when exactly fermentation will start. As natural yeasts will induce the fermentation, it takes quite a bit longer (between 2-5 days) before the fermentation starts. Yesterday’s grapes are for La Chance and Alibi, both red wines and blends based on grenanche. Maceration will take between 15 to 20 days – but it depends on the actual taste and colour of the wine.
About Caroline
Caroline is a certified Sommelier (by the CMS) and WSET diploma student. In order to specialize in the wines of Champagne she moved to the region and currently works as a wine consultant, wine educator and wine writer. She is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for several international publications including Palate Press, Snooth, Wine-Searcher, Decanter and Vinogusto; further activities include teaching Champagne related courses at Reims Management School and organizing personalized tasting experiences at http://www.tastingswithatwist.wordpress.com as well as being a regular judge at international wine competitions.
