Poised and ready for action !
Yesterday saw the start of Harvest 2009 and the first grapes to be picked were the
chardonnay for the Crémant de Loire and
blanc Saumur Brut sparkling wines.
Clean and awaiting the first trailer load of grapes.
The Press and conveyor belt which transports the grapes into the Press.
The first tractor trailer load arrives.
My photos aren't the sort to conjure up the romantic image of harvesting grapes in France we all imagine.
Instead they show more of the 'behind the scenes' work involved during harvest, other than seeing pickers amongst the vines.
Here the
chardonnay is being emptied on to the conveyor belt ready for pressing.
From this two different juices will be extracted to produce the Domaines wines.
And 2009 looks to be a very interesting vintage as the good quality grapes and good volumes are proving.
With next week seeing the end of Harvest 2009 at the Domaine it was the turn of the chenin grapes to be picked for the exquisite Côteaux de Saumur - a white wine and delicious accompaniment with foie gras or blue cheese. 
'The GP Team' !! Not quite recreating the romantic image of grape picking we like to imagine - but fortunately for them this autumn has been fabulous with glorious sunshine throughout the day.
The tractor and trailer used to take the picked grapes back to the Domaine.
With autumn taking a tighter grip daily the colours in the vines have been a picture.
