Picking Ull de Llebre

In contrast to their Chardonnay, the rest of Anton and Sergi's vineyards are picked by hand. In fact, their Ull de llebre could be machine harvested as the vineyards are well trellised, but in this instance, they have decided to hand-pick it. Ull de llebre (which literally means "hare's eye") is the Catalan name for the grape known as Tempranillo in other parts of Spain (especially Rioja).

This year's harvest is one of the healthiest vintages Anton can remember, with very little oidium or rot. The determining factor in grape quality is the weather, and the 1998 summer has been particularly kind, with almost no rain. When it did rain in early August, the rain was followed by a week of cool weather. What can really spoil a harvest is when rain is immediately followed by hot humid weather.

As can be seen in the photographs, the Ull de llebre is in excellent condition, and whilst it is unlikely to be a record-breaker, there is generally a good harvest of all varieties. By 18th September, all their early-ripening varieties (Chardonnay, Macabeu, Moscatel and Ull de Llebre) have been picked. Now they will start on Parellada, the latest ripening variety, which also represents the majority of their vineyards.

By the way, the wine produced from these vineyards Flama Roja Reserva is on sale at this link.