Definition: Veraison

Anything to do with Port.
Post Reply
User avatar
Alex Bridgeman
Graham’s 1948
Posts: 14879
Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
Location: Berkshire, UK

Definition: Veraison

Post by Alex Bridgeman »

Veraison is a term that I have seen mentioned in a number of texts and conversations, most recently by Fred in his thread at viewtopic.php?t=405 (I would post a link but my BlackBerry won't let me).

This is a term that I know I should know, but don't have a clear understanding of.

Could someone provide me with a concise explanation of what veraison means and therefore how the timing of it can give early indications as to the timing and / or quality of a harvest?

Many thanks,

Alex
Last edited by Alex Bridgeman on 18:47 Mon 23 Jul 2007, edited 1 time in total.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.

2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
User avatar
Luc
Graham’s The Tawny
Posts: 469
Joined: 13:39 Thu 21 Jun 2007
Location: Montreal, Quebec

Post by Luc »

There Isn't an English word for Véraison .
It means changing of the colour .
Experience shows that when the grapes change colour , the sugar content rises dramaticaly and the acid levels drop .
This is the signal for the wine maker to measure sugar & acid levels in grams per litre .
But this isn't the whole story . Ya can't forget the tannins . . .
- Once tannins change from green to brown
- There's an acceptable sugar/acid balance
« It's time to pick them grapes »
User avatar
Alex Bridgeman
Graham’s 1948
Posts: 14879
Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
Location: Berkshire, UK

Post by Alex Bridgeman »

Thanks

Alex
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.

2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
User avatar
uncle tom
Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952
Posts: 3518
Joined: 23:43 Wed 20 Jun 2007
Location: Near Saffron Walden, England

Post by uncle tom »

There Isn't an English word for Véraison
But in Portugal I believe it's known as pintor

I'm not sure if the timing gives any solid clue as to the quality of the vintage, but it seems to give the first clear indication as to whether it will be an early or late harvest.

If all the bunches of grapes change colour at the same time, then that seems to be regarded as a good omen.

Tom
I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I shall be sober and you will still be ugly - W.S. Churchill
Post Reply