Worries About Rain in Bordeaux

Jane Anson and Panos Kakaviatos write in Decanter about the lack of rain in Bordeaux:

If Bordeaux does not have rain by 10 September, top consultant Jacques Boissenot may advise clients to pick at less than full phenolic maturity – causing a risk of greenness in the wines.

The lack of rain is bad for all varietals, but it is particularly harmful to young vines and Merlot:

‘We had rain in the spring, but it was not sufficient and the grapes are not ripe enough now.’ Conditions in Pomerol where ‘the grapes are almost dry’ are particularly difficult.

The Merlots are particularly fragile, already weakened by uneven flowering. Because the Cabernets flowered later, they were not as sensitive to the weather conditions and are ‘more homogenous,’ Boissenot explained. ‘But even the Cabernets need water,’ he added.

The good news is that there is a light rain this morning in parts of Bordeaux, the question is whether or not it is in the right places and if it is enough. Over the next three days there is a 30% chance of rain, hopefully that will come through. You can track the weather here:

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If you are wondering how things are going in Sauternes/Barsace, Aline Baly is also quoted in the article:

In Sauternes, vignerons report that in the last two weeks there had been morning mists necessary for the onset of noble rot in the vineyards. Aline Baly at Chateau Coutet said the grapes showed ‘great promise’.