Tips for collecting grape juice samples.
To obtain a good grape juice sample for Sentia testing - as representative of a final must as possible - follow the below steps:
- DO collect a decent sized number of FRESH grapes for juicing (with clean hands) - 100 recommended where possible, to be taken from multiple bunches, top/middle/bottom. Remove stem and leaf matter.
- DO collect grape bunches from randomized locations within the vineyard for best representation of your overall harvest.
- DO sample in the cool of the morning, before any moisture stress occurs.
- DO NOT collect grape bunches from exterior vineyard rows (border rows or end vines) or from other sites with unusual features. E.g., rocky or poor drainage areas. This will minimize the risk of contaminated or skewed results.
- DO NOT collect grape bunches from any diseased or damaged plants.
- Crush sampled grapes in a zip-lock bag (double-bagging is a good idea to avoid any leakage issues).
- Test juice as soon as possible (or refrigerate*). Do not leave juice to ferment as this will impact your results.
* Long term refrigeration is not recommended; 1-2 days storage is acceptable.
IMPORTANT: please note that Sentia currently only offers two tests confirmed suitable for juice samples - malic acid and titratable acidity.