Summer is a season of paramount importance for the vine, a moment when nature deploys all its energy to prepare the fruits of long months of work. In the Gironde, this period is characterised by hot and generously sunny days. This precious oceanic influence modulates the summer heat, offering cooler nights that favour the aromatic balance of the berries and, sometimes, welcome stormy showers. These rains are of capital importance, nourishing the soils and preventing excessive water stress for the vines, except when accompanied by hail, a true scourge for our crops.

It is during these months that the most spectacular transformation of the grapes takes place: veraison. The small, hard green berries take on their final colours, changing from green to purplish-red for black grape varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, or to a translucent gold for white grape varieties. This chromatic change is only the visible part of an intense biochemical process. Sugars accumulate, acidity is refined, and polyphenols—the molecules that give wine its colour, tannins, and a large part of its aromas—develop fully.

At Château Cazebonne, we observe this maturation closely. Each grape variety, whether familiar or rediscovered, reacts differently to summer conditions. Sun exposure, soil composition, and even temperature variations from one summer to the next directly influence the future personality of the wine. It is a complex puzzle where each piece, each sunny day or timely rain shower, contributes to the richness and identity of our vintages. The delicate balance between heat and freshness is crucial for the expression of aromas and the harmony of red and white wines. It is also during this period that we observe when the vine ripens its wood (lignification), and the shoots cease their growth.

Our commitment to replanting the ancient grape varieties of Bordeaux, such as Castets or Mancin, takes on its full meaning during this crucial period. These varieties, sometimes forgotten for centuries and whose specificities are detailed in the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, reveal unique characters under the summer sun that enrich the diversity of our terroir. This rediscovery work is made possible by the trust and unwavering support of the many enthusiasts who have adopted our wines, thus participating in the rebirth of this heritage.

At Château Cazebonne, we are proud to help revive the lost grape varieties of Bordeaux, a commitment detailed in the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" which you can download from our website. Explore our oenological quizzes to test your knowledge and discover our authentic cuvées directly in our online shop.