The year was one of the most difficult on record in France and the UK for vineyards, and I suspect, for many other agricultural activities. It rained so much, so often, flowering was interrupted, mildew was rampant and it was haven for insect attacks. Farming is so very dependent on weather and perhaps the last 2 years has been natures way of curbing grape volume in times of world wide over supply of wine???
Ok so the yield was poor, however the quality looks nice following the fermentations and pressing. We will look to some blending options later this year and deciding what goes into barrels.
Immediately after harvest we had some dry days that enabled us to seed consecutive rows in the vineyards to a mix of cereals and “vegeteaux”. This will hold the soil through winter, give moisture protection in the dry months and then organic material into the soil.
