Cold storage consists in storing the grapes already cut in cold chambers for a medium to long period of time so they can be consumed in good conditions in the future. At Uvasdoce we have been carrying out this process successfully for years, being able to extend our varietal calendar until the end of the year.
Why are they stored?
When the grapes are ready to be cut and worked, if they are not going to be consumed, we must store them in the optimum conditions, thus avoiding possible problems of over-colouring, over-ripening, and sugar stains in the field.
The climate plays an important role in this process, as by storing the grapes we prevent them from being affected by inclement weather once they are ready, which can affect the health of the grapes, causing cracks, pests, etc.
And above all, storage is organised to extend the Spanish season for a few more weeks and delay the beginning of the harvest from other origins, where the grapes may still be a little short in terms of specifications of the clients (especially the sugar level).
How are they stored?
Storage is not an easy process, as it depends on many factors: the variety, the conditions in which they are stored, the moment when they are going to be cut and stored, when they are going to be consumed, etc.
For storing we use cold chambers and pads with metabisulphites that help extend the lifetime of the fruit. The conditions of cold or humidity must be low, the lower the thermal shock the better. From the moment the grapes are harvested in special boxes for storage with everything necessary, the transport must be quick so they can be stored at a controlled temperature in the warehouse. This avoids dehydration of the stems and ensures that the berries remain turgid, just as they were harvested in the field, for as long as they are stored.
Are there any varieties that perform well in storage?
We believe that all varieties can be stored and preserved in good conditions if the processes and materials are suitable.
Despite this statement, we do believe that there are varieties that store much better than others. At Uvasdoce we have had very good results with the following varieties: Sweet Globe and Sugar Crisp in white, Allison in red, and Candy Dreams, Candy Crunch and Candy Snaps in special-flavoured grapes.
You can see the whole cycle by clicking here.
