Virtually explore our 2019 vintage !
Thanks to a video and a review, discover the 2019 vintage in all its facets.
EXCESSIVE WEATHER CONDITIONS
The year began with a rainless and mild winter, especially in February, which was almost spring-like. Consequently, the budburst came very early at the beginning of March and the threat of frost was therefore all the more severe. On 5 and 6 May, we were spared by the frost but only just, coming very close with temperatures of 0-0.5°C both mornings.
The spring was much wetter, especially June, which was very wet (100 mm), disturbing the end of flowering and causing some coulure on the Cabernet Sauvignon.
The summer was excessively hot and dry, with a rainfall deficit. Fortunately, an episode of providential rain (30mm) on the end of July occurred, re-balancing the situation. It helped to avoid water stress and get the ripening process started again. Thus, the grape colour change occurred on the usual dates for the region.
HARVESTS WERE NEITHER EARLY NOR LATE
Thanks to this summer’s light rainfall, the 2019 harvest season followed a fairly normal schedule.
The 5th of September was the starting point for our white grapes harvest: with Sauvignon Blanc, and we picked the last Semillon on 13 September. The fruit was in perfect condition and the yields were generous ! The sun continued to work on the vines, the end of the season was fine and various rainy spells in September helped boost the ripeness of the red grapes.
We started harvesting the red grapes on 25 September with the Merlot, which was superbly plump, yielding 52 hl/ha. We then moved on quickly to the Cabernet Sauvignon from 4 to 14 October. We were delighted to be harvesting bunches of grapes with extremely mature stalks and seeds. Our pickers were finished on Monday, 14 October at 6 pm, under a radiant sun !
FIRST TASTING IMPRESSIONS
The white grapes juices are particularly precise and fruity, thanks to the cool nights and sunny days during the final weeks of ripening. The acidity is impressive and the alcohol content levels are reasonable, given the heat over the last few days. It results in a beautifully balanced wine.
Concerning the red wine, the power and concentration of our Cabernet Sauvignon juices will therefore complement the explosion of fruit, softness and freshness coming from our Merlot. Our very elegant Cabernet Sauvignon deserves special mention for its very silky tannins and its excellent quality.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE VINTAGE
2019 will be an excessive vintage in many respects ! There were no major climate-related incidents and there was little pressure from disease, but the weather was nonetheless unpredictable and never has « climate stress” kept us so long in suspense. In spite of everything, all turned out well for this sunny vintage, which was a long time in the making and promises to be exceptional.
–> DOWNLOAD 2019 VINTAGE TECHNICAL SHEET
