Vintage 2022
A Mild winter and the work in the vineyards has advanced on schedule. We have planted 22 ares of Chardonnay in the lieu dit of En Morand in village appellation. This parcel was 3 and a half years fallow and replaces a plot previously planted to Aligoté.
The 4th of april brought frigid temperatures of -2° to -4° C, but fortunately without provoking damage. The buds had not yet fully emerged and because we wait as late as possible to tie the branches along the training wires, we reduce the damage that frost can bring.
Early May, we begin ébourgeonnage or the elimination of unecessary growth around the base of each vine with our crew for the green season. The weather is ideal and the vine advances rapidly. Flowering arrives by the 22 of May and we can anticipate harvest by late August ! The heat continues to speed the growth of the plant and confirms an early harvest but the absence of precipitation in July into August is of growing concern for the maturation. Our vineyard work and some rain in early August does the vines some good for the maturity of the fruit and a tisane of Camomille and Yarrow brings relief to the canopy.
We decided to delay briefly the start of harvest until the 3rd of September. What a harvest ! Ten days. We approach the record for volume set in 1999 in white as well as red but with a quality of fruit well superior. What a vintage !
A vintage easy to vinify, with beautiful grapes and tanks filled to the rim.
Following the the last of our bottling in December 2023, the whites, which purposefully retain a subtle note of carbonic gas, will permit them to mainatin a lovely equilibrium and freshness. Notes of exotic fruit accompagny rich and round profiles while maintaining balance and poise. The reds are equally impressive, rich and with ripe, red fruits. Structured to be sure but with elegance and polished tannins. Evidently, the wines are luxururious but balanced without being heavy. Some of the appellations can be approached in 2024 while others will travel in time without difficulty.
Once again, our family was in mourning the 9th of March with the passing of our uncle Jean-Paul Pavelot. The older brother of our father Régis, Jeannot, who was always present with us through everything from harvests or new plantings. He appreciated our profession very much. Merci Jeannot, hommage à toi.