Vintage Prospects

Normally, I'd be knee deep in grapes right now. I haven't had to hear about UK party conferences for years; always in France. But this year, everywhere in Europe, the wine harvest is two to three weeks late. That's unusual, but it’s what we used to get back before the weather got hotter in the late '70's. 

This year the winter just went on. And on. So vines burst into leaf three to four weeks late. Once that happens it’s impossible to make up for lost photosynthesis time no matter how warm the weather.

And grapes, being the sweetest fruit need the longest time to ripen.

It’s getting late … will the grapes ripen in time?

Probably. But it varies.

Best places?

Portugal – the general opinion is that it is a very good year, as sun still shines. Although quantities are smaller than expected in all regions.

Rhone Valley – great white and rosé coming in; nicely clean and fresh but the crop is still getting smaller as it has done for a few years. Reds will be the same. Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s maximum yield has been cut down to 31 hectos a hectare … not a lot. 

French Midi – very late this year. Quality is variable, and volume maybe a little down on average year, but a lot better than last year.

Champagne – big crop, struggling to ripen in time.

England – same as Champagne but slightly more risk.

    

Spain – also very late this year. If weather in the next couple of weeks is good, quality should be very good and no major issues with volume at this stage.

Italy – generally reds are delayed by three weeks. The whites will be finished early Oct. Good quality and in some areas more quantity. Tuscany definitely late but possibly great. Harvest will be in October as in the old days.

More info will be coming in. Thanks Abi and team.

Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen started his Wine and Music show this Sunday afternoon. Note the wine expert on his show is Tom Laithwaite, not Tony, who failed the audition. The whole Laithwaite family tuned in; enjoying a barbecue and taking the mick out of Tom.