Vintage Report 2008

This winter was the coldest for the last 80 years with few showers. Spring started with an abrupt change in temperature which determined an abundance of budding, homogeny and relatively synchronised between varieties. Even though there was little rain throughout the winter there were heavy rains during September and October allowing an excellent and sustained growth of vegetation, and at the same time ensuring a good size of buds. In November and December the rainfall was 44% below usual improving the water table in the vineyards which in turn improved the quality of the grapes.

January, which is a vital month for the merging of several quality components, was 27% drier than usual. The harvest started under these conditions which remained so until mid February when the bouts of rain regulated the water table. The harvest started with Sauvignon Blanc on 7th February and finished with Tannat on 25th March. The higher quality was achieved with the varieties harvested early on such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and in particular Merlot which had the best quality for the last 10 years.