96 THE AMERICAN VINE-DRESSER'S GUIDE. 



sides, it proves economical whenever it is in- 

 tended to make brandy out of the wine. But 

 nothing is so good as the foudre / wine turns 

 out perfectly well in them. 



OF VINTAGING. 



BEFORE gathering the grapes, be very sure 

 they are ripe. When they are easily bruised 

 with the finger, and the stem is of a dark 

 brown color, approaching that of raisins, and 

 above all, when you can, without any other 

 aid than the hand, easily detach the bunches 

 from the vine, you may then commence the 

 vintaging. 



Never gather grapes in rainy or foggy 

 weather. A clear, dry day should, if possible, 

 be chosen. Do not begin the cutting before 

 eight o'clock in the morning, and leave off 

 before six in the evening. Any moisture on 



