There are crucial decisions to be made just prior to veraison, as this is the time where the viticultural team has an opportunity to reduce the yield. This process is known as “green harvesting,” as excessive bunches of green berries are removed and dropped to the ground. The aim here is to ensure that each vine has the right balance of canopy and fruit load, ensuring it will carry the remaining bunches to optimum maturity in time for harvest.The ripening period takes place and the weather conditions shape the character of the grapes and the development of flavor and aroma compounds.