One record after another is being broken this year. July 2022 was the driest July since records began in 1958/9.
Just 9.7mm of rain during the month and nothing forecast until the 14th August when there may (or may not be) storms that clear yet another few days when the temperatures are due to rise into the late 30’s.
The vineyards are suffering that’s for sure. Mature vines are faring better than young vines but many parcels are blocked (they have stopped maturing) and need some water to set them back on their way before a predicted harvest of 5th September here in Vouvray.
Grape ripening is highly dependent upon water and while a little stress can have a positive effect, longterm drought stunts berry development, leads to tougher skins and stops maturing properly.
It’s a bit of a worry!
Do a little rain dance for the growers please. Not too much. Just enough. No massive thunderstorms and hail thank you.
