As the second week of harvest draws to a close here in the Vouvray appellation, most grapes have been safely gathered in. A couple of days early next week and it will all be over (until next year).
Growers are generally very happy with what’s come in. One or two parcels have struggled to reach proper ripeness (many young vines) but on the whole, the alcohols are reasonable 13+ and there is little disease.
The recent damp weather has led to noble rot setting in some of the Chenin bunches so growers in Vouvray, Chinon and Anjou have been making passes for sweet wine in the latter half of the week.
Picking in Bourgueil, Chinon and Saumur Champigny began last week and the fruit looks to be in great condition. Smiles all round after a very tricky, hot and dry year.
Acidity is perhaps a bit lower than they’d like but nothing to worry about. No need for acidification.
Nigel has been part of the team chez Vincent Carême. He’s been on tractor driver duty transporting the grapes from each parcel to the winery and loading the presses then back off again with a bit of picking in between times. He’s thoroughly enjoyed being so involved with the harvest.
