Winemakers talk about vintage 2016’s long hang time. Are they just hanging out, drinking wine? Well, the grapes are …sort of.
A long grape-growing season, like the 2016 season, lasts four to six months, beginning with May’s fruit set. Grapes ripen slowly, hanging longer on the vine and building sugar and flavor, which makes for a more delicious, balanced wine. Warm, moderate weather extends hang time; heat and rain shorten it.
