Piper-Heidsieck crew / 06 december 2021

A foretaste of the 2017 harvest

Kevin Louis, Piper-Heidsieck foreman, supervises the teams working in the vineyards.  At just a few weeks from the beginning of the harvest, he shares with us the secrets of this crucial period which is the result of a devoted crew’s relentless work.

Tell us about the harvest

Sometime between the end of August and the first half of September, the grapes reach maturity and so, we pick them over a three-week period. Handpicked with a little help from pruning shears, the grape bunches are placed in buckets and subsequently in crates of around forty kilos. Then, the produce is brought to the wine-press in order to be immediately pressed.

How do you organize the harvest?

Harvesting should follow a regular and constant rhythm. Planning in advance is a great deal because we manage such big squads of seasonal workers.

 

"At Piper, we are faithful to many traditions such as the 9AM snack - because field work begins at 7 - or big luncheons together at noon…  We are like a big family. The ambiance is really friendly even though arduous work."

Which are the key moments?

The weather during the second half of August ultimately determines the definitive quality of the grapes. In 2016, the weather was awful and we had predicted a mediocre harvest.  Yet ultimately the end of August was hot and dry, a real miracle, and the grapes filled up with sugar and rapidly ripened. 

 

Another very important and awaited moment is Cochelet, the celebration that marks the end of the harvest period. It takes place just after the wine-presses close. Together the Cellar Master and the Steward invite all of the winemakers for a big and convivial meal. Traditionally, a potée champenoise is served – it is a kind of stew – and many different house cuvées are tasted.

What are your predictions for the 2017 harvest?

During spring we experienced freezing weather which caused a partial loss of the crop. But we are very enthusiastic about the remainder of the produce! If August is hot and dry, as anticipated, we think the harvest will take place during the second half of September, and it will be superb.

we recommend
  • Champagne culture / 06 december 2021

    Where does the word “champagne” come from?

    The story behind an inspiring name…

    Read more

  • Piper-Heidsieck crew / 07 december 2021

    Heard it through the Grapevine, June’s in Bloom

    In the vineyards, the month of June is the most important moment of the year.

    Read more

  • Piper-Heidsieck crew / 07 december 2021

    Women, the backbone of Piper-Heidsieck

    Women have always and continue to influence Piper-Heidsieck’s history.

    Read more