Roots and Buds
The beginning of the year was marked by contrasts. Winter ended on a dry and cold note, but March brought abundant rains that recharged the soil. Budburst occurred in late March under favorable conditions, followed by a mild, dry April that allowed the vines to start off in great shape.
A Season of Challenges
Spring then presented a more complex face. Starting on May 27, the weather became unstable, with frequent rains that encouraged the spread of disease. Given these conditions, our decision to maintain autumn ground cover proved wise, allowing tractors to navigate firm soil despite the humidity. Cool and wet June weather benefited the vines but disrupted Grenache flowering, pushing us to actively combat downy mildew.
Early Summer Notes
July’s arrival brought a positive turning point. Late July and early August saw a heat wave, tempered by sea breezes that kept nights cool, creating ideal conditions for the vines. Harvest began on August 25, about a week later than in 2023. Early results are promising: whites and rosés show beautiful aromatic intensity and balanced acidity. Rosés, picked early in the ripening phase, stand out for their pale hues and intense aromas.
Soil Health
Managing ground cover presented some challenges. Mulching proved insufficient, allowing weeds to proliferate in spring and compete with vines for water and nutrients. Additionally, some cover crops reached maturity late, exacerbating this competition.
The Reds’ Time
September provided favorable conditions for the reds. The weather stayed cool and dry until the 22nd, allowing us to harvest the Syrah without stress. A timely 60mm rain on that day helped finalize the ripening of Grenache and Mourvèdre without dehydration risk. The red wines display excellent qualities: intense color, aromatic freshness, balanced tannins, and harmonious acidity. Their alcohol levels, more moderate than in 2023, are reminiscent of the promising 2020 vintage, suitable for both young enjoyment and aging.
In the Cellars
Yields remained below average, due to poor fruit set during flowering and mildew pressure. We are now finalizing blends and aging. Each wine is carefully evaluated to ensure its balance and typicity, with the finest lots set aside for barrel aging to enhance complexity.
The Legacy of the Vintage
In the end, this 2024 vintage brings us great satisfaction despite the challenges it presented. This demanding year highlighted the importance of constant vigilance and unwavering commitment from our teams to preserve wine quality. Regenerative agriculture appears to have played a positive role in our vineyard’s resilience against spring’s challenges, though its exact impact remains hard to quantify.
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