The start of the red harvest

We have started harvesting our first Merlot this morning under ideal conditions.
Choosing the date of the harvest is always a delicate moment: picking grapes with ripe tannins which will give opulent wines or harvesting a little earlier in order to obtain fresh and aromatic wines. This is, of course, a question of balance! We have chosen to start harvesting based on the date of flowering (hence the relatively early harvest) which is in line with the phenological cycles of the vine. We believe that all the signs of maturity (aromas, sugars, acidity, tannins, etc.) are now present and do not want to risk losing aromatic complexity, freshness and elegance.
The health of the grapes is perfect and the weather, hot and dry since mid-August, appears that it will remain sunny. The level of concentration of the grapes is similar to that of 2018 and 2019 and gives us hope for another great vintage!