Vintage 2024
Vintage 2024
the spectre of drought looms
We had turned the page on 2023, worried about so much drought, but hoping that the even-numbered vintages would bring the promise of more water and freshness, respecting the “vintage pendulum”…
life between the vines
It didn’t start well! 3°C above seasonal normals in December and January, and still too little water in the soil. While this abnormally mild weather worries us, it also benefits the seedlings we sow in autumn between the rows of vines to develop soil life and bring natural fertilizer to the vines.
Return of water
Fortunately, winter ended well and the rain returned in abundance. By the first days of spring, we had received more water in a few months than in the entire previous vintage.
April blew hot and cold, alternating warm days and near-zero nights. More fear than harm for our vines, which were spared frost, unlike some Bandol and many Var winegrowers.
relative freshness
In these conditions, budburst was rather uneven, but this gentle start gave us time to plant, dig, weed and clear.
Late spring and the first months of summer were relatively “cool”, with neither excessive heat nor wind. A few light rains enabled the vines to continue growing without excessive vigor or water stress.
boost
In August, everything accelerated with very hot days (+3.2°C above normal) and even the return of the traditional “August 15 thunderstorm”, which allowed the grapes to reach maturity without blockages or excessive concentration.
precocity and patience
As expected, we started the harvest very early – on August 19, a record-breaking day – with the Grenache grapes for the Rosé, with very low yields. After a week’s break, we moved on to the Cinsaults and then the Mourvèdres, again for the Rosé.
The Mourvèdres took a while to reach perfect ripeness, both for the Rosé and the Red. Fortunately, our team of pickers was as patient as they were brave. We finally finished harvesting on September 14.
Even and pass!
Yields in 2024 were relatively low, as there were few bunches, but the grapes were beautiful, with excellent balance. Finally, 2024 respects the balance of even-numbered vintages, with its freshness and balance.
