On this nice September morning, the white Crozes-Hermitage harvest has started.

The 2007 vintage looks promising.

The grapes look healthy. These last two weeks, a strong wind (“le Mistral”) has been blowing, which has helped sugar concentrating. That means this vintage may be rich in aromas with a good alcohol level.

Complying with basic hygienic rules is crucial during the harvest. Every evening, the bins (locally known as “les bennes”) as well as all the implements (wine press, pumps etc .) are steam-washed to prevent unwanted bugs from spreading.

Harvesting grapes for red Crozes Hermitage is in full swing!

It’s time for further information on the Crozes Hermitage Appellation:

The area stretches over 1,200 hectares. Larnage, ten other villages produce this AOC wine: Crozes-Hermitage of course, but also Serves-sur-Rhône, Erôme, Gervans, Tain l’Hermitage, Mercurol, Chanos Curson, La Roche de Glun, Beaumont Monteux and Pont de l’Isère.

It has been an Appellation since 1937.

Only Syrah grapes (for the reds) are used (sometimes with 15 % Roussane and Marsanne grapes).

Today, the sun is shining. It’s time to harvest grapes for Red Crozes Hermitage.

The grapes are fully mature and they look great.

Olivier feels it will be a great vintage (look at him, measuring the alcohol level).

Today, we are harvesting  white Crozes Hermitage.

The main difference with yesterday’s operation: it will be vinified in stainless steel tanks.

As you can see, the ground is a bit steep so all the work is done by hand.