I have just been touring some of the Hospices de Beaune vineyards in Volnay and Meursault with Ludivine Griveau (pictured below), and the good news is that the vines are looking particularly healthy. There has been some pressure from oidium this year, but the organic treatments employed at the Hospices have worked well to nullify the threat. Yields at this early stage – and barring any dramatic weather events – are looking correct for the white wines, but a little bit on the short side for the reds which seem to have suffered more from the cool weather at flowering.
It is going to be very hot next week and water is needed during August, preferably in the form of gentle and regular rainfall rather than storms. We will not have an idea about potential quality until shortly before the harvest, which is currently forecast to start around 12th September. Bonne Chance to all the vignerons!
