2010 in Sancerre (continued)

Arnaud Bourgeois at Chavignol: emblematic church and the CEO on his mobile

We spend much of yesterday making quick visits to Sancerre vignerons as well as having a look at the vineyards, although this was rather curtailed by the frequent heavy showers. Fortunately it cleared up late afternoon, so some picking was possible yesterday afternoon, although some dilution of the juice was apparent.

Overall the potential alcohol in the Sauvignon Blanc grapes is mainly between 12-13 with a few of the best parcels such as the Monts Damnés being over up to 14% with acidities mainly between 5.4 and 6. Some of the fruit coming in yesterday was more like 11.5% alc. Alcohol levels in Pinot Noir seem to be mainly around 12%-12.5% with acidity levels around 5.

Picking here started from Monday 27th September with a few producers, like François Crochet, having a derogation to start at the end of the week before. If the weather is reasonable for the rest of the this week then much of the crop will be in by the end of Friday, although the Vacherons, for instance, will be hand picking into the following week. The Natters at Montigny are starting today but Montigny is usually a week or more behind the rest of Sancerre.

The quality of the 2010 juice that I have tasted appears to be good – certainly very clean with good weight of fruit. 2010 looks to be a more classic year for the whites than 2009 with its often high levels of alcohol and with acidity levels below those of 2008 and 2007.

I expect there will be a lot of activity today – around 8.30 this morning there was a mini avalanche of picking machine pouring down through the narrow streets of Chavignol.

Off to Pouilly this morning.