AC Touraine - AC Savennières 2nd April 2014 – what a difference 100 miles makes!

Photos of the most advanced buds in a vineyard in Francueil 
(2.4.14)
 

Yesterday we drove to Savennières for a meeting and then back to the Cher Valley. It was fascinating to see the difference between the vines here (at Francueil – AC Touraine) and those in Savennières about a 100 miles to the west, so much closer to the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately I don't know what variety the vines were in Francueil – Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay perhaps? – but in Savennières they are, of course, Chenin Blanc.  

Later Luc Brizard (Château d'Epiré) told me that there were other vines in Savennières considerably more advanced than this. April will be a long month for the vignerons hoping that there won't be an April frost!

Savennières: lane towards the Domaine aux Moines
photos of the buds were taken in this vineyard
 

Chenin Blanc in Savennières (2.4.14)
above and below