It’s another spectacularly early harvest here in the Loire.
The official opening of harvest (the ‘ban de vendanges’) was declared on Tuesday 23 August in Muscadet. It’s one of the earliest on record along with 2003 and three weeks earlier than 2021 (picking started on the 15th September).
Volumes in Muscadet are likely to be moderate. Higher than in 2021 but well below appellation maximums. 4 days of Spring frosts and the continuted lack of rain during the summer have had a substantial impact upon volumes and maturity.
In Saumur, Chateau Midouin was one of the first to reach for the secateurs on the 22nd August, bringing in the Pinot Noir and the famous Clos d’Entre les Murs in Parnay has brought in the Chenin Blanc.
Snipping is due to start here in Vouvray next week. Gamay from Touraine is coming in from today.
