Rondo is harvested

Rondo grapes, bags removed

We were going to wait for the Brix to increase for the Rondo grapes, but we have a massive storm heading our way on Tuesday which is going to dump loads of rain on Ireland -- the remnants of Lee combined with a giant low off Greenland. So we moved harvest up to today as the Brix was reading 22 (normal for red wines is 22-26 for a higher finished alcohol content). 

It was interesting to see that the clusters we left unbagged were completely decimated by the birds. Inside the bags, we had beautiful red wine grapes. We will wash, destem, and crush tomorrow for the first fermentation.

There were two areas where we had some mold forming on the grapes. I kept those separate and will pick through them in the morning. They say mold is not bad for grapes and that some mold actually helps fermentation. The moldy areas were where the foliage was thickest. We need to prune more heavily in the Spring after the vines have flowered and we can see where the grapes will form. The clusters near the edges where there is good air circulation and access to sunlight were the healthiest and largest.

What I did not see this year is powdery mildew, which I'm pretty sure the vines had last year.  Fortunately, I have learned that Potassium bicarbonate – similar to baking soda – has the unique advantage of eliminating powdery mildew once it’s there. Potassium bicarbonate is a contact fungicide that kills the powdery mildew spores quickly. In addition, it’s approved for use in organic growing.

I'm so relieved we got that done. 

PS The hydropress was leaking around the pressurised gasket so Alex increased the pressure. But it didn't help. So I suggested that the airlock was malfunctioning. Alex then remembered that Thomas had told him to check and raise the lid periodically as the must expands as it ferments. Sure enough the airlock had filled with must and was blocked. We'll have to check it daily. At least we know the fermentation is happily progressing.

Look at those babies!

Left - unbagged, right bagged

Clusters that were bagged below clusters that weren't

Gorgeous!

Not a bad haul for 6 vines

Lots of wind and heavy rain on Tuesday.

Looks professional.

Gorgeous.

Not bad for 6 vines

Hydropress leaking around pressure seal