Following a slow start to the year (bud break occurred 10 days later than usual), a dry spell sets in from May 15th to June 14th: not a single drop of water!
This dry period was starting to threaten our youngest vines when, on June 15th, a storm generously waters the Côte des Blancs and hail struck some of our vineyards in Vertus.
Around June 10th, flowering takes place in the best possible conditions: the pollination is historic.
Then a warm (but not too warm) weather punctuated by a few welcome showers settles in for July.
This rain forced us to be extra watchful for mildew and especially powdery mildew. Of course, vineyards were growing well, but so was the grass 😉
We start the harvest on September 9th, the Chardonnays are magnificent. We’re slightly ahead of schedule because Vertus was ripening faster (maybe that was due to the June hail?) while the grand crus are late this year. We harvest them at the end of the picking season, when they are fully mature.
After a week at more than 30°C (86°F), we are witnessing an exceptional concentration of grape berries!
The grape skins are thick, ensuring perfect sanitary conditions, but resulting in a longer juice extraction than usual.
This phenomenon, already observed in 2022, may be linked to climate change, which seems to be inducing a modification in the structure of the grape.
The harvest is not too generous, but it is beautiful and of great quality.
For the Pinot Noirs – which make up less than 10% of our vineyard – we have been very careful on the sorting table and have selected the most beautiful Pinots to craft our Rosé de Saignée.
As is our custom, our fermentations are spontaneous to allow the terroir to express itself through its yeasts. It is important for us to preserve the authenticity of each of our plots.
Now the wines will be enriched by the lees and will become more complex in our barrels and vats until next summer.
We will conduct the first tastings starting from Saint Vincent day to begin immersing ourselves in this new vintage.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Labels, too many labels… We are seeing an abundance of certifications that tend to make it seem like everyone is organic. Often, these are just improved traceabilities, some of which are already required by law. Some even encourage the use of glyphosate!!! In conclusion, lots of paperwork but few committed actions.
Pierre