2016 is a difficult, demanding and fast-paced viticultural campaign for winegrowers. First of all with an exceptionally cool and humid spring, the first 6 months of the year reach a record rainfall with a 62% excess.These heavy rains are vectors of diseases, especially a strong pressure of mildew. At the end of April-early May, late spring frosts, similar to those in 1990, caused considerable damage. Some areas that are already frozen are not spared by hail the following month! The summer continues to strain the vineyard and the nerves of the winemakers with very dry and hot weather causing water stress and scalding on the remaining bunches of grapes. This lack of water delays the start of ripening, as in 2009 and 2012.
The return of fine summer weather brings a good dynamic of maturation of the grapes. In September, the harvest quality was finally better than the winegrowers had expected, but the severe weather conditions of 2016 led to a large loss of harvest. One of the smallest yields estimated in 20 years, but which is finally saved thanks to the big size of the bunches, and a good sanitary state. Finally the 2016 harvest is doing well; Mother Nature gave.
