As the dust settles on another demanding, quietly exhilarating harvest, we sat down with Sean Flores, farm manager at Twee Jonge Gezellen, to reflect on what made 2026 distinctive, and what the season may come to represent for Krone’s next Cap Classiques. 

With two decades in viticulture behind him, Flores speaks with the measured confidence of someone who trusts both data and instinct. And, above all, the timing of nature.

When you look back at the 2025 season, what stands out as the defining feature of that vintage and how is 2026 already shaping up in comparison? 

“We focus heavily on quality, and we pride ourselves in that. We set a goal for higher yields without compromising quality, and I think in 2026 we’ve found the sweet spot.”

How did previous seasons set the tone for this one? Were there any moments where you realised this harvest might be quite different? 

“With rain setting in the very next day after the last cover crop was planted, we felt something special might happen, if we could keep up with nature’s timing.”

Bud break and early growth tell you a lot about what’s to come. What were you watching most closely, and what did it tell you? 

“Bud break was very even, which is always a good thing. Favourable weather conditions during flowering and set were fundamental in setting us up for success.”

Krone often speaks about the importance of diurnal shifts. How did temperature patterns influence flavour and acidity this season? 

“We had a cold, wet winter and very high temperatures early on in October and November, which led to the earliest picking date yet. We switched on our night-harvesting headlights during the early hours of 3 January 2026.”

As harvest approached, what were the key decisions around timing and where did instinct come into play alongside the data? 

“This was a team effort. Working closely with the winemakers and using historical data, we could identify specific blocks to be harvested at optimal ripeness.”

Were there any parcels or blocks that surprised you this year? 

“2026 was full of surprises. The site-specific, single-vineyard Chardonnay block for the Twee Jonge Gezellen Blanc de Blancs was harvested two weeks earlier and did very well, with great analysis.”

When you taste the first juices and base wines, what are you listening for? Can you describe the personality of 2026 at this stage? 

“The 2026 Chardonnay base wines have delivered beautiful green apple and pear aromas with distinctive acidity. Most of our Pinot Noir tanks are still fermenting, but they’re already showing bright red fruit and a lot of character.”

When these wines are opened years from now, what do you hope they will say about this moment in Krone’s vineyards? 

“That this was the defining moment where nature could bear exceptional quality fruit in abundance, without too much human interference.”