Pierre Aguilas
“The 2010 vintage is looking fairly good. Although it’s still a bit early to deliver a verdict, we’re somewhere between a quality year and a great year,” reports grower Pierre Aguilas, chairman of the Loire Valley Wine Trade Fair.
The 2009-2010 campaign has certainly enjoyed quite favourable weather. Volume-wise, according to the forecasts issued on 1 September by FranceAgriMer, “total 2010 output will be 47.26 million hectolitres, slightly more than in 2009 but still lower than the average of previous years.”
Overall my impression is that 2010 will be more variable than 2009. My reflections on the vintage so far to be posted later today or tomorrow.
4 comments:
Just back in from yet another day in Saumur and the Layon, Jim. Last week I'd have agreed with Pierre that we need to wait for a verdict, but I've seen too many broad and genuine smiles over the last few days and chewed too many super-ripe grapes to hesitate. For reds and chenins at least, 2010 with the better growers (ie those who deleafed and debudded)is going to be lovely - way better than last year. Yesss!
Charles. Thanks. Pleased to hear that the Cabernet and Chenin in Saumur and the Layon have stood up to the recent spells of rain. Much better than the Chenin in Vouvray and Montlouis is my impression.
I imagine vineyards less well tended may have problems of rot.
I spoke briefly to Claude Papin at lunchttime today and he said that the vintage so far was better than last year.
'less well tended' is the key, especially when you look at the last week's sunshine and cool winds. When you look at the high density low vines in Vouvray & Montlouis, you see why the growers don't deleaf - and why that causes a 'greenhouse effect' holding the warm moist air around grapes that are close to the ground. Maybe the guys should see how the chenin growers in Saumur and the Layon prune and tend their vines :-)
Charles. Interesting thought, thanks.
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