Assessing fruit maturity and physiological ripeness to inform picking decisions too often relies on subjective processes. Through the implementation of thorough sampling, relevant analysis, and a more holistic understanding of fruit development during the growing season, producers can harvest with more confidence that they have made the correct decisions regarding picks. The panel will discuss sampling protocols for more statistically meaningful vineyard data, viticultural signs such as berry development and canopy senescence, picking for logistical considerations vs. picking for perfection, and best lab practices for sample processing and appropriate analysis.

1. Considerations for Picking and
Lab Analysis During Harvest
Anna Welch Prost & Olivier Prost

2. • STYLE – INTENTION – CHALLENGES
• DATA COLLECTION
• A COMMON LANGUAGE
MEASURE WHAT MATTERS

3. HarvestBloom
+85-90 days
Bloom
+95-100 days
Bloom
Picking
decision!
GDD
Air Quality
GDD
Air Quality
Brix
pH
TA
GDD
Air Quality
A. Brix
pH
TA
B. Juice Panel
C. Phenolics
Baseline Sampling Maturity Check
• Brix
• pH
• TA
• Malic
• Tartaric
• Ammonia
• Primary Amino Nitrogen
• YAN
• Glucose/Fructose
• Potassium
GROWING SEASON

4. • Pick dates across
the regions
• Fruit Condition
• Blend projections
• X-factors
PICKING
2018 2017 2016

5. • Uniformity of the Process
• Equipment
• Juice Panels
MATURITY SAMPLES
CLUSTERS
CRUSHER
JUICE

6. Brix pH TA Malic Tartaric Ammonia
Primary Amino
Nitrogen
YAN
Glucose/
Fructose
Potassium
Standard
Chemistries Ratio of Acids
Predictions for a
Healthy Ferment
Estimate
Potential Alcohol
pH Buffering &
Cold Stability
JUICE PANELS

7. A TO Z WINEWORKS WHITE AND ROSÉ WINES
• Majority of fruit is machine harvested
• Stainless steel fermentations
• No malolactic fermentation
• Finished under screwcap
INTENTION

8. A280 A420
A520
(pH 1)
L* a* b* C* h°
Visible Color &
Hue CIELAB
Anthocyanin
(amount of red)
Harshness &
Browning
WHITE & ROSÉ WINE PHENOLICS & COLOR

9. GRAPE PHENOLIC MATURITY:
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

10. CONDUCTING BERRY SENSORY ASSESSMENT
IN-HOUSE:
Glories Method:
Anthocyanins concentration
Extractable anthocyanins
Seed contribution
Total phenolics
THIRD PARTY LAB:
Anthocyanins
Tannins
Catechin
GRAPE PHENOLIC MATURITY:
HOW TO MEASURE IT?

11. REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
harvest 2019 data
UMPQUA VALLEY

12. REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
harvest 2019 data
UMPQUA VALLEY
More time677
201
39
1352
386
217

13. 123 DAYS UNTIL BLOOM…MAYBE?
Who is ready?
HARVEST 2020