Harvest begins in the Rhône

The 2018 harvest has begun in the Rhône and this year, in a rare turn of events, it was the northern appellations that began first.

Picking of white varieties began in the southern Rhône appellations on Monday this week (3 September) but the intense heat of the season had prompted wineries in the northern half of the valley to begin picking their white grapes the week before.

As with much of the rest of France, a long, hot, dry summer has led to an extremely healthy crop.

Françoise Dijon, manager of the vineyard’s Quality Monitoring Centre, said: “The spring weather posed a number of challenges for growers in certain areas, but everything was back on track by the beginning of July. Weather in the first half of August was particularly favourable, with a significant amount of rainfall to refresh the vineyards and help the berries swell.”

Having begun picking the whites in late August, the red harvest is gradually beginning in the northern AOCs, perhaps a week earlier than ‘normal’.

Spring conditions were very warm and followed by a heatwave in June which led to very early ripening but the crop is predicted to be much bigger than 2017.

In the southern AOCs spring was marked by some rainfall and some very localised hailstorms.

A “sizeable portion” of the appellations were hit by downy mildew which has been a minor problem in a few areas this year but prompt treatment and the onset of a dry summer largely controlled the problem and yields are not unduly affected.

Rains in August were a welcome relief for both vines and people following temperatures well above the seasonal norm.

 

Leave your reply

Most Recent Stories

Three in four brits will head to the pub for the Coronation

Record numbers of pints are predicted to be sold over the Coronation weekend taking place on 6-8 May, with 75% of Brits planning to celebrate the crowning of the new King by heading to the pub.

'Britain's wonkiest pub' is looking for a new owner

If you're a long time admirer of both the Leaning Tower of Pisa and beer, an exciting opportunity has just arisen to bag yourself a lopsided slice of history.

WLC Eats: Caia, Notting Hill

Louis Thomas finds creative twists on crowd-pleasing dishes and a reliable by-the-glass offering at Caia in Notting Hill.

Lanson pairs Noble with Hide tasting menu

With the help of its chef ambassador Ollie Dabbous, Lanson is expanding the on-trade listings for its prestige line Noble 2004, made in Brut and Blanc de Blancs styles, in a series of gastronomic dinners for Champagne enthusiasts.

WLC Eats: Furna, Brighton

Jessica Mason discovers delectable small dishes and a confident cocktail list along with plenty to smile about at Furna in Brighton.

Most Recent Stories

Three in four brits will head to the pub for the Coronation

Record numbers of pints are predicted to be sold over the Coronation weekend taking place on 6-8 May, with 75% of Brits planning to celebrate the crowning of the new King by heading to the pub.

'Britain's wonkiest pub' is looking for a new owner

If you're a long time admirer of both the Leaning Tower of Pisa and beer, an exciting opportunity has just arisen to bag yourself a lopsided slice of history.

WLC Eats: Caia, Notting Hill

Louis Thomas finds creative twists on crowd-pleasing dishes and a reliable by-the-glass offering at Caia in Notting Hill.

Lanson pairs Noble with Hide tasting menu

With the help of its chef ambassador Ollie Dabbous, Lanson is expanding the on-trade listings for its prestige line Noble 2004, made in Brut and Blanc de Blancs styles, in a series of gastronomic dinners for Champagne enthusiasts.

WLC Eats: Furna, Brighton

Jessica Mason discovers delectable small dishes and a confident cocktail list along with plenty to smile about at Furna in Brighton.