Harvests: what does the 2019 vintage have in store?

As harvests have already begun in certain French regions, forecasts are plentiful regarding the quality of the 2019 vintage. Will exceptional weather have marred the vines? Is this year ahead or behind the average start of harvest? Can we hope for a quality wine despite the weather uncertainties? Zoom on an event that fascinates both wine amateurs and specialists: the harvests.

What are the consequences of the year’s climatic conditions on the vines?

First, it should be noted that the vine’s growing period runs from March to September. Ideal conditions would see a rather rainy spring followed by a hot, dry summer. This year, spring was indeed wet, which favoured vine development, but some late frosts slightly slowed its growth. In mid-June, temperatures suddenly rose to reach scorching values: a real threat for winegrowers! These high temperatures caused damage to vines as they stop photosynthesis above 35°C. Some plants were even burnt by the exceptional heatwave of June, with numerous losses recorded among domains in the most affected regions. However, it should be noted that these high temperatures fortunately occurred at a sufficiently early stage of development not to mar the quality of the grape. Indeed, for proper vine maturation, it is essential that the temperature difference between day and night be significant. During heatwaves, nights are particularly warm, which could have blocked certain mechanisms inherent to the development of aromas in the fruit. Cool nights just before harvests are thus a major asset for the vintage; this year, the heatwave arrived early enough not to have too significant an impact on it!

Will the start of the harvest be on time this year?

The harvest start date depends on the region on one hand and the type of grape cultivated on the other. In the Aude, for example, the kick-off was given in early August, while in Languedoc, the harvest began in the second half of August for white wines. As for reds, harvests began rather in the first half of September. There is a tendency to compare the harvest start date with that of the previous year, but it should be noted that in 2018, harvests had been particularly early. This year, we should return to average figures despite some plots slightly ahead of schedule, so harvests will be in full swing in September, the high temperatures having delayed vineyard maturation.

Will quality be present for the 2019 vintage?

For around twenty years, the chamber of agriculture has been gathering information that makes it possible to assess vineyard evolution as well as make projections. Some one hundred reference plots provide valuable indications on the situation. For the 2019 vintage, winegrowers are not worried despite climatic conditions that could have been disastrous. The grapes are perfectly healthy and quality looks promising. After the mid-June heatwave, summer rains were beneficial and made it possible to recover volumes lost due to the high temperatures. Overall, lower quantities are still expected, but aromatic fruits that can reveal all their aromas in quality vintages.

And if tomorrow the winegrower was you?

Does the winegrower’s expertise fascinate you? Do you dream of a vast estate where vines stretch as far as the eye can see? Know that splendid wine properties are available from Sextant!

On the outskirts of Bordeaux, we offer you two exceptional properties typical of the Aquitaine region. A charming, substantial residence or a château dating from 1763: several choices are available to you. The vines, perfectly maintained, require no investment, and operational buildings complete these rare pearls.

Wine property – Bordeaux (33000)

At the top of a hill, with panoramic views over the countryside, stands a superb château whose construction began in 1763. With over 700m² of living space, this dwelling in excellent condition, surrounded by a one-hectare park, dominates its 23-hectare vineyard in Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations. The vines are perfectly maintained, restructured, and express a terroir that gives the red wines produced typical floral notes of the area. The operational buildings, spanning nearly 740m², complete this exceptional estate. More information here: https://www.sextantfrance.fr/fr/annonce/vente-propriete-viticole-bordeaux-p-r7-7501169050.html

Wine property – Bordeaux (33000)

At the entrance of a pretty village lies a 37-hectare vineyard estate in the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. A perfectly renovated 300m² residential house and over 600m² of chai and buildings make up this property. The plots, around the dwelling, line the hilly, stony slopes of a qualitative terroir. This exploitation is thus very attractive for those seeking to acquire an estate whose location allows the production of qualitative and renowned wines, while enjoying an exceptional living environment.

More information here: https://www.sextantfrance.fr/fr/annonce/vente-propriete-viticole-bordeaux-p-r7-7501167465.html