The Lucky Grapes of 2021 Bordeaux Harvest

Wine producers are at least happy to have some grapes (the small quantity they had) in the vats after a disappointing harvest. The strong jammy aromas of blackcurrant and cherry waft around the wineries and we could almost be convinced it is a normal time of year. The crimson colour is being extracted from the …

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When Vines cry…

It is always an emotional moment at this time of year when we see in the vineyards the glistening tears of the vines ('les pleurs') that tell us that the new vintage is underway. As the temperatures rise so does the sap in the vines and where the pruners have trimmed the end of the …

History and Science at Château Grand Corbin Despagne

Historically it was the robust oxen that  worked the dense blue clay soils in the vineyards here in the north western corner of St Emilion and over the border into Pomerol. Horses were too fragile for the job, explained François Despagne, who has run the family estate of Château Grand Corbin Despagne, St Emilion Grand …

Fire and Ice in Bordeaux Vineyards – vintage 2020

Following scares of frost damage the week before last (start april) now unlucky wine producers have had to face losses due to a freak hail storm on Friday afternoon 17th April. (Hail is normally a problem later in the year during electrical storms due to Bordeaux's oceanic climate). (addition to text on 5 may - …

Down to Earth at Troplong Mondot

 – tailor-made visits that focus on the vineyards Don’t worry when you visit premier grand cru classé Troplong Mondot, they provide you with all you need even rubber boots so you can get to the grass roots of wine production. Photo Yves Samuel Just as well as the vines are the subject here and a …

Join Climens (Grand Cru Classé, Barsac) through their 2016 Harvest

Here is the recount of this excellent sweet wine year of 2016 direct from Château Climens  itself, my favorite Barsac, 100% Sémillon and biodynamic! Can visit and taste too (20€pp), for tasting of 4 vintages (60€pp) or a food and wine partnered lunch (180€pp, 6 to 14 people Michelin restaurant Darroze).  http://www.chateau-climens.fr  #climens Spring 2016 : …

The Soil is Sick – bring it back to life

Wood eating fungal diseases and nematodes (microscopic worms) have existed in the soil of vineyards since the beginning of the vine, 1000s of years ago. In the past they lived off dead wood, today they are gaining ground and vines all over France are literally  'being eaten alive' and dieing. At first they become weaker …

2015 Vintage Bordeaux powers ahead in the sunshine

Successful flowering for all varieties in the dry sunny weather -  starting with the Merlot in Pomerol and the Graves around 25th May and finishing with the Cabernets just before brief heavy rains around 10th June. A short sharp flowering means that ripening (110 days from mid flowering) will be more uniform, great for quality. As the vine …