At Château de Nages and Domaine Gassier, the 2026 vintage was shaped by an exceptionally wet winter, budbreak almost ten days ahead of schedule, followed by repeated heatwaves from mid-June through to the end of summer. Harvest began on August 18, 2026. Thanks to the water reserves built up over the winter and the soils protected by regenerative farming practices (28°C beneath the mulch compared with 56°C on exposed stones), the 2026 wines stand out for their freshness, acidity and crisp, vibrant fruit.
A rainy winter replenishes the soil
It all began with a winter of abundant rainfall. The rain kept coming, replenishing the soil and restoring groundwater levels to heights we had not seen for many years. The vines started the growing season with valuable water reserves. And they wasted no time: budbreak came almost ten days earlier than usual. An early harvest was already on the cards.
A wet spring followed by successive heatwaves: how did the vines cope?
Spring 2026 remained wet, requiring particular vigilance against disease pressure. Then, quite suddenly, temperatures soared. Following an initial spell of hot weather in late May, a heatwave set in during mid-June, right in the middle of flowering. Yet our vines showed no worrying signs of water stress. Thank goodness for those winter water reserves!
Heatwaves followed one another throughout the summer. To protect themselves, the vines slowed down their activity and conserved water. And our much-celebrated head start gradually melted away.
Regenerative agriculture: 28°C beneath the mulch, 56°C on exposed stones
The key to resilience lies beneath our feet. A soil that retains its coolness is one where life remains active and water stays accessible to the roots for longer. This is where regenerative agriculture really comes into its own.
This summer, we measured soil temperatures in our vineyards:
The difference speaks for itself: mulched soil retains both its coolness and its moisture. With their roots kept cool, the vines are better able to withstand extreme heat, while the grapes are less exposed to sunburn.
2026 harvest: the first cut on August 18
Despite everything, we were preparing for a very early harvest. Temperatures were even higher than in 2022, when we began picking on August 5. In the end, however, the first cut of the secateurs came on August 18, 2026 – a fairly typical harvest date for the estate.
Harvest took place under favourable skies, with no rain or unpleasant surprises. The physical effort was considerable, but this year, at least, our nerves were spared!
What can we expect from the 2026 vintage?
In the glass, another pleasant surprise:
Wines that are already appealing in their youth, yet continue to reveal new layers of character as they develop in the cellar.
Our Mediterranean grape varieties, both white and red, are accustomed to sunshine and dry conditions. But these extreme temperatures put them to the test. Our soil cover provides valuable support, even if it cannot eliminate every risk.
Climate change: why vintages can no longer be compared as they once were
In the past, older generations would compare vintages to understand what the coming harvest might bring. Today, the changing climate is blurring those reference points, and its extremes are leaving an increasingly strong mark on the wines.
That is why we are working to make our vineyards more self-sufficient and resilient, so that our wines tell the story of their terroir above all, rather than simply reflecting the weather of a particular year.
From one vintage to the next, what we observe in the vineyards and in the cellar continues to shape our intuition: healthier, more vibrant soils also produce more vibrant wines.
Isabel Gassier
2026 Vintage at Château de Nages and Domaine Gassier
When did the 2026 harvest begin at Château de Nages?
On August 18, 2026, compared with August 5 in 2022, even though the summer of 2026 was hotter still.
How did the vines withstand the 2026 heatwaves?
Thanks to the water reserves accumulated during an exceptionally wet winter, combined with covered soils (mulching), which help retain coolness and moisture around the roots.
What effect does mulching have on soil temperature?
At the estate, we recorded 28°C beneath the mulch, compared with temperatures of up to 56°C on stones exposed to direct sunlight.
What are the 2026 wines like?
The whites and rosés are fresh, lively in acidity and wonderfully refreshing. The reds offer crisp red-fruit flavours, silky textures and good ageing potential.
Learn more about regenerative agriculture here: The promise of regenerative agriculture – Chateau De Nages
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