Harvest, that's a wrap

Our review of the 2022 vintage. It is a symphony of grape varieties that we were able to taste and harvest for the first time this year. For many, it is on an experimental basis, to understand which will bring us solutions to adapt to global warming in our vineyards. And in this respect, this vintage was a full-scale test. Days over 35 degrees were very numerous (around twenty). The thermometer exceeded 40 degrees twice. This year proves that the vine can withstand the heat provided it has a little water. And in the end, we were rather well served at Cazebonne: 80 mm at the end of June, 65 mm after 15 August and 30 mm at the end of September. The June rains allowed us to endure the summer heat, the August rains helped complete the ripening of the whites and early varieties, and we patiently waited for the last rains to finish ripening the late varieties, in particular Cabernet-Sauvignon. So what did this vintage ultimately teach us? First, as mentioned above, that the vine loves heat, but still needs a little water. Coming years are therefore more likely to penalise us through low rainfall rather than forecasted heatwaves. That certain grape varieties shut down completely in case of excessive temperatures: this is the case for Cabernet franc, Muscadelle… That young vines (and this comes as no surprise) are the first to suffer from these excessive temperatures. That Merlot surprises us with its ability to cope with this stress, even if it yields high alcohol levels. That Cabernet-Sauvignon thrived perfectly, but one must know how to be patient before harvesting it. Lastly, that not all forgotten grape varieties are suited to global warming, but some excel by yielding moderate alcohol levels (12-12.5%) and wonderful acidity with ripe fruit. We will continue to observe, take notes, and archive in our humble attempt to find the first solutions. This year, we harvested: Blanc Auba, Sémillon, Blanc verdet, Sauvignon, Sauvignon gris, Muscadelle, Sauvignonasse, Prueras, for the whites. And for the reds: Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit verdot, Carménère, Fer, Petit pejac, Gros cabernet, Gros verdot, Penouille, Mancin, Bouchalès, Castets, Saint-Macaire, Jurançon noir, Béquignol. We will now let the vines rest to give them time to prepare a 2023 vintage that we hope will be more peaceful.