This year, there is no rush

Our harvest continues. Last week, we brought in our final Merlot plots. Concentrated Merlots, rich in colour, with relatively uniform ripeness across the parcels. Alcohol levels are also there, with batches between 13.5 and 14.5% vol. That is simply the nature of the vintage. We had to bide our time for phenolic ripeness to be fully achieved. This week, we will not be rushing either. The weather conditions are ideal for maintaining the grapes in pristine health. On Thursday, we are harvesting the Mancin and Bouchalès. Both are ready. The Bouchalès is exceptional this year. It is a grape variety that is difficult to ripen, traditionally retaining very pronounced acidity. This year, we managed to push it a little further than usual. The acidity remains, but will be balanced out by the alcohol level (just under 13 degrees). It is an essential grape variety for the balance of our cuvée Comme en 1900. Mancin, for its part, confirms its potential. We are harvesting it early this year (usually picked at the same time as the Cabernet-Sauvignon), but where other varieties stalled this year, it has thrived in this sunny vintage. The skins are ripe, staining our fingers a lovely violet hue. The berries are delicious, and the analyses confirm its potential: alcohol levels around 13.5% with a pH of 3.35. We cannot wait to vinify these two grape varieties and share some wonderful surprises with you soon.