Summer here at last in Bordeaux and the grapes are getting ready to change colour

Temperatures have risen in the vineyards of Bordeaux since the 14 July bank holiday when many start their summer holidays. The small green grapes are getting bigger and in a week or so will change colour in most of the regions. They have already started in the warm gravel soils of the Graves region south of Bordeaux.

In order for 2012 to be a good vintage we need hot sunshine for the rest of the summer particularly September to allow the grapes to fully ripen. Apparently rain is forecast for the weekend…..