Late harvest practices for still and sparkling wines differ in several key ways. While both types of wines may benefit from extended hang time on the vine, the specific techniques used can vary based on the desired characteristics of the final product. Let’s explore how late harvest practices differ between still and sparkling wines.
Still Wines
Late harvest practices for still wines involve allowing the grapes to ripen on the vine past the point of normal harvest. This extended hang time allows the grapes to develop higher sugar levels and more concentrated flavors, resulting in richer, more complex wines. Here are some key differences in late harvest practices for still wines:
- Timing: Late harvest for still wines typically occurs towards the end of the growing season, when the grapes have reached optimal ripeness. Winemakers carefully monitor sugar levels and flavor development to determine the ideal time for harvest.
- Varietals: Certain grape varietals are well-suited for late harvest practices in still wines, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauternes. These varietals have thick skins and high acidity, which can help balance out the sweetness from extended ripening.
- Botrytis: In some cases, winemakers may intentionally allow noble rot, or botrytis, to develop on grapes for late harvest wines like Sauternes. Botrytis can concentrate flavors and sugars in the grapes, resulting in intensely sweet and complex wines.
- Yield: Late harvest for still wines often involves lower yields, as the grapes are left on the vine longer and may be more susceptible to disease or pests. Winemakers may need to carefully manage vineyard practices to ensure healthy grapes for late harvest wines.
Sparkling Wines
Late harvest practices for sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Prosecco, also involve allowing the grapes to ripen past normal harvest. However, the specific techniques used for late harvest sparkling wines differ from those used for still wines. Here are some key differences in late harvest practices for sparkling wines:
- Acidity: Sparkling wines rely on high acidity to provide structure and balance to the wine. Late harvest practices for sparkling wines may focus on preserving acidity in the grapes while also allowing sugar levels to increase.
- Pressing: Grapes for sparkling wines are typically pressed gently to extract the juice, which is then fermented to create the base wine. Late harvest grapes may be pressed differently to achieve the desired balance of sugar and acidity in the final sparkling wine.
- Second Fermentation: Sparkling wines undergo a second fermentation in the bottle to create carbonation. Late harvest grapes may produce base wines with higher sugar levels, which can impact the second fermentation process.
- Extended Aging: Some late harvest sparkling wines may benefit from extended aging on the lees, or yeast sediment, to develop complex flavors and aromas. This aging process can add depth and richness to the final sparkling wine.
Comparing Still and Sparkling Wines
While both still and sparkling wines can benefit from late harvest practices, the specific techniques used can vary based on the style of wine being produced. Here are some key differences between late harvest practices for still and sparkling wines:
- Sugar Levels: Still wines produced from late harvest grapes tend to have higher sugar levels, resulting in sweeter wines. In contrast, late harvest sparkling wines may have lower sugar levels to balance out the acidity and carbonation.
- Flavor Profiles: Late harvest still wines often have intense fruit flavors and aromas, with complex layers of sweetness and acidity. Late harvest sparkling wines may exhibit more subtle fruit notes, with a focus on freshness and effervescence.
- Aging Potential: Both still and sparkling wines produced from late harvest grapes can have excellent aging potential. Still wines may develop more complexity and depth over time, while sparkling wines may maintain their freshness and vibrancy with extended aging.
- Food Pairing: Late harvest still wines are often paired with desserts or strong cheeses to complement their sweetness. Late harvest sparkling wines can be versatile food pairings, matching well with a range of dishes from seafood to poultry.