2019 vintage - trends and prospects in the gérard bertrand vineyards

2019 returns to a more Mediterranean profile than the previous vintage. A vintage full of nuance that more clearly highlights the specific characteristics and differences between each terroir, from the Pyrenean foothills (Domaine de L'aigle in the Limoux AOC and Château la Soujeole in the Malepère AOC) to the Larzac foothills (Château La Sauvageonne in the Terrasses du Larzac AOC) via the coastline (Châteaux L'Hospitalet, Karantes and Tarailhan in the Clape AOC).

 Climate:

- Lower rainfall than in 2018, with precipitation distributed mainly in autumn (and early winter) and a marked "summer dry spell"

- A mild winter, irregular spring temperatures and a few summer heatwave spells

- Water management is a key challenge in vineyard management

- Rainfall was scarce in July and August, more abundant in the western Aude (a transitional climate between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic) than on the coastal and eastern areas of Languedoc 

Vine cycle:

We observed an early bud break, linked to a late winter with "mild" temperatures. Subsequently, we were led to deploy preventively, in sensitive areas, "candles", which allowed us to avoid the pitfall of frost. 

Spring rains fell at the right moment, taking over from the autumn and early winter rains, and guaranteeing good mineral nutrition, essential for growth and the development of the leaf surface area (the "photosynthetic engine" of ripening). 

Flowering was late to appear this year and took its time, which will have a knock-on effect on veraison and ripeness. The first ripeness checks confirm this delay, estimated at 7 to 10 days compared to 2018. 

Vineyard management:

Respecting a few fundamental principles allows us to be very optimistic about the 2019 vintage:

•         Grape variety adaptation to the terroir
•        Practice (and certification) of Biodynamic Agriculture
•        Soil maintenance through tillage:a technique that promotes the proper functioning of soils by limiting competition between vines and natural ground cover (the adage "one hoeing is worth two waterings" is even more relevant this year)
•         Stimulation of nutrition throughorganic matter inputs to the soiland biodynamic foliar applications (horn manure and horn silica, herbal teas and essential oils)
•        Control and adjustment of yields and leaf surface area, in line with the potential of each grape variety/terroir combination

This year, the biodynamic applications played a particularly important role in supporting the harmonious development of the vegetation, and in stimulating the natural defences against climatic stresses (frost, hail, water stress) or parasitic threats.

They followed one another at the rhythm of the seasons and planetary alignments: Maria Thun cow pat compost, Horn manure, Horn silica, Valerian, Horsetail, Nettle, Oak bark…

The applications of biodynamic preparations (horn manure, herbal teas) played a stimulating role for the vitality of the foliage. Furthermore, during heatwave periods we take care to limit sulphur applications that could burn the foliage at high temperatures.

The health of the vineyard is excellent, but as every year, we exercise daily vigilance and attention by walking every plot. A careful monitoring and precision work that allows each vine to be accompanied through to harvest in the best possible conditions.

An excellent vintage:

Current conditions lead us to expect an excellent vintage, as we have a very good balance between grapes and leaf surface area. The grapes are in excellent health, with functional foliage (no mineral deficiency). As every year, we will ensure, to reach the right level of ripeness for each plot and we will be patient for a harvest that will in all likelihood conclude at the end of October.