Farmer’s Log: A Harvest Season in Milas

Introduction

Harvest season is the grove’s calendar. Cool mornings, wind direction, soil moisture and team rhythm meet on the same line. This field log tells the story of one season in Milas with notes from the grove, production decisions at the mill and how they appear in the bottle.

September: First Signals

Leaf sheen and fruit firmness mark maturity. In early control tastings, once green almond and citrus peel become distinct, harvest moves to the cool early hours. On very windy days picking pauses so internal fruit temperature stays low and aroma stays intact.

October: Setting the Rhythm

Nets, crates and the short transport line start at first light. Fruit never touches the ground and goes into shaded, ventilated stacks that reduce oxidation risk. Grove and mill pace are matched so sorting belts do not clog at day’s end.

Decisions at the Mill

On the belt, leaves and twigs are removed. Wash water temperature and flow are tuned. Crusher speed and malaxation time and temperature are calibrated to each day. The goal is always the same: keep volatiles safe and deliver a clean nose and a tidy finish. Unfiltered versus filtered is decided by order flow and storage horizon.

November: Reading the Weather

As day–night temperature swings grow, citrus-like facets get sharper. Picking ahead of rain avoids the mud and moisture risks that follow. After rain, higher surface water on fruit means washing and drying steps run with extra care.

People and Time

Team rotation keeps the same tree harvested with consistent care. A short tasting at day’s end shows how production choices landed on the palate. Notes like “bright nose, short and clean finish” shape the next morning’s plan.

Memory in the Bottle

Lot numbers, harvest dates and parcel details go on the label, turning each bottle into a small archive. In storage, dark glass and tins sit in a cool, dark, odor-free room. An inert gas blanket and tight closures carry nose clarity well into summer.

On the Table

The season closes on the plate. A thin drizzle over roasted vegetables, a drop into soups right before serving, a restrained touch on seafood: each is a reminder of one day in the grove. Every time you open the bottle, fresh herb and green almond recall the morning air in the trees.

Takeaway

A Milas harvest is a song written by wind and soil. With timely picking, careful processing and disciplined storage, that song becomes a bright line in the bottle and a small story in every bite.