VERAISON IN FAVIGNANA AND THE TRAPANESE COUNTRYSIDE
TRAPANI AND THE EGADI ISLANDS
Vineyards are coloured with new hues
Summer has now entered its prime and, as it always happens at this time of year, the vineyards of the estates near Trapani and in the island of Favignana are tinged with new shades. Indeed, this is what happens when grapes change colour. This phase takes the name of veraison and indicates the actual maturation of grapes. White grape varieties switch from deep green to straw yellow, while black grape varieties are tinged with red. The cell walls are smoothing out, they become more elastic, they swell and therefore increase in volume. Grapes become shiny and soft to the touch. During veraison the peak of maximum acidity is reached, that will then undergo a slow degradation during the maturation phase. At the same time, sugar, fragrances and proteins start to develop, eventually affecting the quality of the wines of the 2015 vintage.
THE SUMMER HUES
Inland and seaside vineyards basking in the glorious sunlight
The stage of veraison takes place intermittently, as it does not occur simultaneously in every single grape of a bunch or in each plant of a vineyard. This creates an extraordinary mix of colours in the vineyard that leaves you speechless. For about twenty days plants will be showing bunches part white and part black. In the veraison stage grapes progressively stop photosynthesis to begin the synthesis of polyphenols and fragrances.
HARVEST TIME IS NEARING
Experienced men select the best grapes with precise gestures
In all the estates of the Trapanese countryside the grapes are in full veraison and preparing for complete maturation. The vegetation is lush and leaves are a nice bright green: at the peak of their beauty and life force, they can synthesise all the necessary nutrients for optimal ripening of the grapes. The most relevant agricultural operations in this period are leaf removal, thinning and selection of the finest grapes. The Firriato winegrowers are incessantly engaged in preparatory activities for the impending harvest that looks very encouraging thanks to the promising climate of these days.
