A picture that I took this morning while walking through the vineyards. Spot the difference between the 2 parcels of vines? One has been worked mechanically and one has used glyphosate to control the weeds. I know which one looks healthier!
Glyphosate is regularly used in the vineyards to control weeds and is not controlled by appellation law in Vouvray but it is forbidden in organic viticulture.
We regularly take a walk in the vineyards as part of our Loire Wine Discovery day.
We were warned. It was going to be HOT yesterday. And, it was. 41°C to be precise. The hottest day recorded in June since records began.
There are two types of mildew that commonly affect vines – downy mildew and powdery mildew. Growers in France call downy mildew mildiou and powdery mildew oïdium.
It’s a long while since we tasted Michel Chevré’s wines. The last time we saw him was at a tasting in Saumur accompanied by his young son.
I try to be generous with my mince pies, spreading the British cheer around me here in France (much to the bafflement of the French).
It’s a while since we caught up with Jean-Francois Mérieau. We’re big fans of his wines and are really excited he’s now only half an hour away from us.
It’s all systems go as growers prepare for a glacial weekend here in the Loire. Temperatures are set to drop below zero in the early hours tonight.
