We’ve had very little rain these past few weeks and lots of sunshine.
Yesterday, walking around the vineyards with Fred Plou of Chateau de Montdomaine, we saw the beginnings of flowering in his Cabernet Franc plot. He treated for the first time this season yesterday (compare that with last year when by this time he had already sprayed 5 times!).
Fred’s parcel is packed with fruit (good news as he had a very small harvest last year like many growers). He may have to remove some bunches later on in the season (green harvesting) but for the moment is delighted with the overall health of the vineyards.
Flowering is in full swing at Domaine de la Noblaie in Chinon and chez Antoine Sanzay in Saumur Champigny. Xavier Weisskopf’s Chardonnay is also in flower.
It looks like we’re in for another early harvest! Flowering was slightly earlier in 2011, another hot, dry and sunny year in the Loire valley.
Watch this space!
