The 2011 Bordeaux Blanc harvest for the white wines is off to a slow and steady start. More activity is expected to begin Monday. August, 22 in Pessac Leognan.
It’s still early in growing season. A few more chateaux have started picking their white wine grapes as of today.
Chateau Haut Brion and Chateau La Mission Haut Brion are bringing in their the Sauvignon Gris. Picking at those estates began Thursday morning.
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte began with a “gentle” picking. Gentle pickings take place before the serious harvesting begins taking place. The purpose is to help train the staff while making sure everything is in order for when the fruit starts rolling in. It also helps to thin the vineyard.
Chateau Carbonnieux started their harvest Thursday as well. The property is picking their Sauvignon Blanc now and expect to beging harvesting their Semillon in about 10 days. 2011 will allow the estate the chance to use their new stainless steel vats. Previously, frementation was conducted in large 250 hectoliter vats. To allow the property to vinify on a parcel by parcel basis, they added vats in a myriad of sizes ranging from 150 hectoliters to 200 hectoliers and all the way up to 250 hectoliters. Alcohol levels range from 12.9% to 13.2% which is making the owner Eric Perrin very happy.
