After 3 exceptional harvests, 2021 leaves us with a bitter taste.
The winter was quite mild, it is true, but it soon gave way to a dry and cool spring; one of the coolest we have experienced in nearly 30 years.
Last April and May, temperatures dropped below freezing, even reaching -11 degrees Celsius in some places. During this period, many winemakers stayed at the bedside of their vineyards because the spring frost is a formidable enemy.
Despite our efforts, some buds and young leaves were literally fried by the cold.
Summer 2021
The month of June was nightmarish, let's not fear the words. It offered us stormy episodes, accompanied by intense rains, hail and strong gusts of wind. Disbudding and trellising under torrential rains was not an easy task.
In July and August, we were hoping for better weather. It was not the case. The humidity coupled with the absence of sunshine and heat favored the appearance of mildew and then powdery mildew.
Harvest 2021
To defend the crop against diseases and to take care of the most valiant bunches, we have been constantly monitoring and adapting our cultivation practices to each of our plots.
In the Marne, the first pruning strokes were given on September 09.
On the Domaine, we waited until the 15th. The cool nights allowed us to load the grapes with sugar and to keep a good balance between sugar and acidity. Even if we did not reach the yield fixed by the appellation (10.000 kilos per hectare), the harvest was very qualitative.
The berries had a nice degree and their sanitary condition was impeccable.
And afterwards ?
In the meantime, it's time for the cleaning, the wine making and especially the festivities because the good news are starting to flow in !
Shipments are on the rise again in many countries and sanitary measures finally seem to be easing.
So let's celebrate these small victories of life and take advantage of them to find those we cherish. Because that's what Champagne is all about: happiness, sharing and simplicity.
