In winemaking, one of the most critical and decisive moments is choosing the exact time to begin the harvest. Particularly in the prestigious Bolgheri DOC, where grape quality is paramount to crafting excellent wines, this decision requires a combination of traditional experience and technological innovation. Among the key players in this synergy between ancient knowledge and modern technologies, Tenuta Di Vaira stands out as a notable example of how winemakers can balance the past and future to produce exceptional wines.
The Bolgheri DOC: A Territory of Excellence
The Bolgheri DOC stretches along the Tuscan coast, a unique and privileged area for viticulture due to its microclimate and soil composition. The influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea, with its marine breezes, and the presence of hills that protect the vineyards from stronger winds, create an ideal environment for grape growth. The soils, primarily composed of clay, sand, and gravel, give the wine a unique structure and bouquet that have made Bolgheri one of the most renowned wine regions worldwide.
In this context, choosing the right moment to harvest the grapes is not just a matter of timing but of deep understanding of the interactions between soil, climate, and vines. Tradition plays a crucial role: the most experienced winemakers in the area pass down knowledge about the grape ripening cycles from generation to generation, observing visible signs like the color and texture of the clusters, but also more subtle details, such as the arrangement of leaves or the resistance of the berries to touch.
The Science of Harvesting: Innovation and Technology
Alongside tradition, winemakers in the Bolgheri DOC, including Tenuta Di Vaira, now integrate scientific tools and methods to determine the optimal time for harvesting. Technology allows for constant monitoring of grape development, providing precise data on their maturation. Sensors placed in the vineyards record parameters like soil moisture, air temperature, and solar radiation, which are then analyzed to predict the evolution of the plants.
The most used instrument by Tenuta Di Vaira is the digital refractometer, used to measure the concentration of sugar in grape must, an instrument that finds the right meeting point between modernity and tradition, simple and effective. After that we send to analyze various samples taken from different parts of the vineyard to understand exactly the degree of sugar present inside the grape, and if this has reached a good level, we start the harvest.
The Union of Tradition and Innovation at Tenuta Di Vaira
Despite the extensive use of modern technologies, tradition is never sidelined at Tenuta Di Vaira. The winemakers at the estate combine the intuition and experience passed down through generations, above all from the owner Vincenzo Di Vaira who follows all the work with extreme precision and passion, with the insights provided by modern tools. An example of this integration is the collective decision-making process that precedes the harvest: before each harvest, the estate’s team meets to compare scientific data with field observations. This exchange of knowledge between different generations of winemakers and enologists allows for a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
The respect for tradition is also evident in the way the grapes are harvested: although technology optimizes time and resources, the harvest is often done by hand, a process that ensures a careful selection of the clusters and preserves the integrity of the grapes. This method, in addition to respecting the environment, ensures that only the best clusters are used in the production of Tenuta Di Vaira wines.
Conclusion
Harvesting is a crucial moment in winemaking, and in the Bolgheri DOC, it represents a point of fusion between the past and the future. Tenuta Di Vaira is an emblematic example of how winemaking tradition can be combined with technological innovation to produce wines of the highest quality. At this estate, knowledge passed down through generations is perfectly integrated with modern monitoring and analysis techniques, allowing Bolgheri winemakers to harvest grapes at their optimal moment and continue to produce wines appreciated worldwide. This balance between tradition and innovation not only ensures the excellence of the wines produced but also solidifies the identity of a unique territory where history and progress meet in every bottle.
We remind you that regarding the accommodation options in our areas you can contact our facilities Agriturismo Podere Cafaggio & Mia Margot Suite Apartment.
Included in the stay you will have a visit with tasting in the family estate: Tenuta Di Vaira.