Vintage Report 2011
During the winter and the beginning of the spring of 2010 the rainfall was 39% above normal values, which resulted in good water accumulation in the soil. Temperature records were the expected ones at that time of the year and there were no late frosts. These conditions contributed to uniform and vigorous sprouting at the beginning of spring. As from October the situation changed dramatically, when a moderate drought episode began.
The rainfall level from October to March was 52% below the norm. Soil water retention turned out to be sufficient to achieve good expansion of the vegetation and excellent crop development. Nevertheless, as from December the vineyard experienced a moderate water stress which lasted throughout vintage. We were thus forced to irrigate some of the vineyards where the water stress reached severe levels.
During the development period the hours of sunshine were greater than the average of the past 20 years. This resulted in an excellent accumulation of sugar and polyphenols. The harvest period started later than usual with Sauvignon Blanc, on 14th February, and finished on 4th April with our Cru d’Exception. Alcohol contents are rather high (higher than we deem appropriate based on our goals). However, the general quality of all varieties was excellent. Production was the same as that of last year’s vintage. The expression of the different terroirs was very impressive and great oak aged wines are expected, both in barrels and bottled.
