|
In late August, the physiological ripeness of our grapes was still some two weeks behind 2007 levels –, the summer temperatures during the last fortnight, however, have allowed us to make up for lost time and get closer to 2006.
Experience teaches that vintages which are slightly delayed during the summer and then benefit from a glorious autumn can become great: 1997 and 2006 are examples for this.
We are still at the very beginning of grape development, with some 10% of natural sugar. Full maturity and aromatic development have been deferred to the autumn.
While brutal heat during the summer can destroy aromas and sophistication, the milder autumnal sun brings fine aromas, fruit and depth – the days are shorter, the sun stands lower, the light is milder, with cool, longer nights.
The ripening occurs slowly during September and October, the wines have time to develop density and expressiveness, without losing freshness and structure.
Compared with the fantastic 2006 vintage, the pH of the grapes is slightly higher, a result of the warmer nights this year. This leads us to expect a less aggressive acidity in our lighter wines.
The leaves are still green and full of vigour and will remain so into the autumn, enabling them to convert the rays of the autumn sun into full-bodied, expressive wines. |
