A row of Varennes du Grand Clos vines. Despite their appealing appearance, whole bunches of Cabernet Franc grapes lie on the ground. Appearances can be deceiving. Hidden behind the deep blue coloured grapes, suitable for making good wine, are those of a more rosé colour. A colour synonymous with unripe grapes, where no quantity of sugar can balance the excessive acidity. Between 2 and 20% of the production is thus rejected, according to the plot and the year.

"There can be different levels of maturity found on the same bunch", as Alain Delaunay, the manager of the domain, explains. "This is why a selection is carried out directly on the vine." The task falls to some forty cutters who take part in the harvest, and the operation obviously demands a great deal of concentration. Despite thinning out, some bunches conceal their double facets the first time around. After one cut of the clippers, the bunch are turned in the hand of the cutter. The hand of destiny, so to speak, that either puts the bunch in the crate, or leaves it at the foot of the vine.

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