Hang time..........The longer the hang time the greater the fruit's depth and complexity-perfectly ripe grapes produce superior, long-aging wines. On the other hand, if the hang time is too long, the grapes will become overripe, which will affect both flavor and aroma of the finished wine. If it takes a grape 120 days to ripen normally and it has been an extra hot year and they ripen in 110 days or it has been a really cold summer and they ripen in 130 days.....would there be a difference in the taste of the grape? Certainly! Long ripening allows for the tannins, not only the sugars to maximize in strength, thus affecting the taste of the grape which will in turn affect the taste of your wine. Perfectly ripe...not over ripe, grapes will make a superior tasting wine.
There are many factors which go into a great tasting grape, which will in turn help give you a great tasting wine....climate, sun, stress, temperature fluctuations, frost, wind and soil...to name a few. None of these ever stay the same so the winemaker needs to constantly be on their toes as to what the precious vine may need or not need at any given time.
So the next time you raise your glass to toast someone or some occasion, don't forget to cheer on the growers of the fruit in your cup.
Cheers!
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