SUMMER BEGINNING IN THE RHÔNE VALLEY
Between the sixth and thirteenth week after budding, FLOWERING, crucial for the vine, begins with the emergence of tiny sepals containing the petals rolled up. They look like miniature versions of the grapes that will form once the sepals have fallen, exposing the stamens (male organ) to fertilization by pollen (male gametes) which will be deposited at the level of the pistil (female organ). Indeed, the vines intended for the production of grapes are hermaphrodites. They have two gametes necessary for its procreation.
The fertilized eggs will thus give grape seeds that will form at the same time as the future grape. This period, when the fertilized flowers become small grapes, is THE FRUIT SET. It is therefore a very delicate period and the success of the future harvest depends on the smooth running of the pollination. Bad weather can cause coulure and millerandage and by the same a drop in quality and yields.
The buds, which escaped climatic hazards, are then replaced by small green and hard grapes. They will grow and ripen during the summer. This will be the stage of Veraison.
To be continued…
