Unfortunately it looks like the temperature is due to dip below zero this week which is very bad news for local vignerons.
Once again, vines are very advanced due to the mild winter. Buds have already burst (more or less depending upon where they are what grape variety they are).
The temperature is due to dip to minus 3°C on Wednesday morning. If conditions are windy or wet, this could potentially be catastrophic.
The added complication this year is getting the required manpower out in the vineyards to help out. It takes time to light hundreds of kerosene candles and a collective effort is required to save vines from damage.
I’ll let you know how things go. Until then cross everything you have on their behalf. It’s been a tough few years here in the Loire for growers and this is the last thing they need in 2020 on top of the lack of wine sales due to all restaurants etc being closed at the moment.
