Vintage

The harvest is totally traditional, gathering the grape at the ideal moment of its ripeness. Hand-harvested, every cluster is selected after bearing in mind its conditions of health and its maturity. If it does not comply with all the requirements, the grape is destined for second grade wines, but always following the strictest of criteria which is set by Caterra’s management.
 
The transportation of the grape to the winery is done carefully in order not to damage the grape, as the loss of must could accelerate a premature and totally undesirable fermentation. Similar to what is happening in other agricultural areas of our geography, the autochthonous labor shortage and the ageing population that base their economy on the agriculture, makes it indispensable for Caterra to contract foreign workforce during the harvest season.
 
Nevertheless, the policy of quality throughout the whole process of harvest and wine production requires from the active members of the cooperative to teach the new temporary workers the main qualities of the harvest in order to guarantee Caterra’s 'quality label'. To ensure an optimum level of quality throughout the whole process, the harvest is carried out under the expert supervision of the owner of the vineyard.

Depending on the grape variety and on the climate conditions, the harvest at La Pobla de Massaluca begins around 15th September and ends mid October; the harvest season lasting over 45 days.