Ace the WSET Diploma D1 Test 2026 – Uncork Your Wine Wisdom!

Stage 1 is about the berry’s rapid growth driven by the accumulation of sugars as the plant translocates photosynthate into the developing grape. This is the period when the berry is building up its sugar content to fuel further maturation. While acids, pigments, aromas, tannins, and minerals are present or begin to form, the primary new change in this early stage is the rise in sugar levels. Pigments (like anthocyanins), aromas and aroma precursors, and tannins become more significant later in ripening, especially around veraison, and minerals are not produced as a stage-specific change.