Druivenontwikkeling

Druivenontwikkeling refers to the entire process of a grape developing from a flower to a mature fruit. This journey begins with the flowering of the grapevine, a crucial stage where the tiny blossoms are pollinated, usually by wind. Following successful pollination, the ovary within the flower swells to form a small, hard berry.

This initial stage is known as fruit set. The young grape berries are green and contain minimal sugar, but have a high acidity. As the season progresses, the grapes begin to grow in size, a period called veraison. Veraison marks a significant turning point. The grape berries soften, their color begins to change (from green to red, purple, or yellow depending on the variety), and crucially, sugar accumulation begins while acidity starts to decrease.

The developing grape continues to accumulate sugars through photosynthesis in the leaves and translocate them into the berries. Tannins, responsible for astringency, also develop during this phase, particularly in wine grapes. The maturation process is influenced by various factors including sunlight, temperature, water availability, and vineyard management practices. The final stage is ripeness, where the grape has reached its optimal balance of sugars, acids, and flavor compounds, making it ready for harvest. Understanding druivenontwikkeling is fundamental for viticulture and winemaking.