Via the hashtag “#Harvest2012”, WineSur wants to centralize all details about what is happening in Argentina’s 2012 grape harvest through its followers and fans on Twitter (@WineSur) and Facebook .
By means of this initiative, WineSur intends to let them know about what is going on during the most important months for Argentine wine, so that they also play a leading role in the grape harvest.
What is said on #Harvest2012?
It is still too early to pick up the grape, but these previous months are fundamental for the wine quality. Winemakers and agronomists are already working on vineyards to get and excellent harvest and from the virtual universe, Twitter and Facebook are becoming protagonists in this process and part of the staff working in the vineyards.
Through the #Harvest2012 hashtag on WineSur’s, you can know what Argentine wineries are sharing about the grape harvest. For example, on January 23, from Norton (@BodegaNorton), it was underlined: “#Harvest2012 has begun at @BodegaNorton. Today, we picked the first grapes!!!”
Alejandro Vigil (@alevmalbec), winemaking director at Catena Zapata Group, is one of the most active users on social networks. During his tours around the different wine regions of Mendoza, he tells his followers how he is living the harvest, taking photos of vineyards. This week, he posted photos displaying how Cabernet Sauvignon, intended for DV Catena, is ripening in La Pirámide estate, in Luján de Cuyo.
Besides, he also showed how Malbec grows in between Semillón: “Growing Malbec vines with Semillon vines is an old practice. WineSur asked winemaker Alejandro Vigil: Why? What are the benefits? Alejandro (@alevmalbec) answered: “co-pigmentation, tannins balance, increases of flavors. It’s like adding salt to dulce de leche (caramel)”.
This is how conversations are developing on networks and how the great winemakers share information and clear up any doubts arising among consumers every day.
Daniel Pi (@danielpi314), winemaker of Trapiche, displayed the leaf removal of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon.
Moreover, he posted a great piece of news: “Sauvignon Blanc from Chapadmalal, the first maritime region in Argentina. 2012, the first vintage”. This place is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a site rarely used for vine production, which Trapiche is exploring by planting Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
And, how is Malbec coming? Alejandro Sejanovich (@alejandrocolo), agronomist, posted on Twitter that in Altamira, one of the first region in Mendoza, this grape variety is at the beginning of the veraison stage, depending on the vineyard.
Every region of Argentina is protagonist in this activity. For instance, Marcelo Casazza, consultant winemaker (@marceloacasazza), posted pictures of San Juan, Argentina’s second wine region in importance. “These small Malbec grapes, that have an excellent color, will be picked in 15 days. In San Juan, #Harvest2012 has begun!”
In this region, white grape picking has already begun: “Chardonnay was picked by hand in San Juan. Santa Sylvia vineyard.”
In Cafayate, from Vasija Secreta winery, it was posted: “we are preparing for the 2012 harvest with very high expectation. In mid-February, we will start with the emblematic variety, Torrontés, then Malbec, and finally Cabernet Sauvignon. Our Malbec and Torrontés vines are the oldest in the valley. Most of this task will be carried out by hand.”
Marcelo Pelleriti, winemaker at Monteviejo, posted a photo of one of the country’s most beautiful areas, “Cafayate at 2,000 meters asl. Right next to Yacochuya.”
Amalaya posted on Facebook a photo of its reservoir that, according to the winery, is eager to irrigate this harvest’s vines.
Finally, wineries also post about the visits they receive during these days. Colomé winery (@bodegacolome), from Salta, mentioned: “we are receiving an average of 20 people a day.”
Tags: #Harvest2012, Web 2.0, WineSur
