This week has seen high temperatures again here in the Loire valley (and all over Europe).
Growers are counting down to harvest now with a predicted start date of 5th september here in the Vouvray appellation.
Walking through the vineyards this past weekend we saw some sun damage to bunches on the west side of the rows but little impact on the east side.
The west side of the rows gets the sun at the hottest part of the day. In the past growers used to remove leaves to expose bunches of Chenin to the sun but these days, with temperatures rising to 40°C or more, the focus is more upon protecting them.
Fruit is still abundant. Lots of healthy looking bunches. There’s a slight worry that the high temperatures might block development (photosynthesis tends to stop after 38°).
Young vines are struggling (newly established or recently planted parcels). Growers have had to get tankers of water out to keep them alive. Irrigation is forbidden in established vineyards but permitted until the 3rd year (when grapes are taken off for the first time to make wine).
