On the Mediterranean coast and as everywhere in the region, after a particularly dry autumn, the water deficit is marked at the end of 2022. The spring without rain in this area of the vineyard caused strong water stress even before the start of summer. After the episodes of high heat, veraison is complete in the earliest areas in mid-July. The warm temperatures and the absence of rain allow the maintenance of an excellent state of health.
The harvest began in mid-August with the first whites, then it was the race ahead of rapid levels of strength and concentration phenomena after the heat wave of 20 August. The responsiveness in the vineyard and the technicality in the cellar made it possible to master the aromatic balances and colours of the white and rosé wines. On the reds, the profiles are colourful, typical, ripe fruit with beautiful tannic structures.
At altitude, after a particularly dry autumn, the water deficit was marked throughout the Languedoc region at the end of 2022. It is from spring onwards that we notice disparities depending on the area. The west of Aude is one of the wettest areas and this heavy rainfall, combined with high humidity and heat, favours attacks of mildew. Vigilance and responsiveness in the vineyard made it possible to maintain a stable state of health. On all these terroirs, the few summer rains with a good interval and a summer without significant heat were beneficial for the development of the vines and the maturity of the berries. The four days of heatwave on August 20 accelerated ripening, pushing winemakers to harvest them quickly to preserve the quality of the grapes.
The rains in September were particularly crucial, favouring the ripening of the late grape varieties and ensuring a high-quality harvest.
The profiles of the wines are balanced, concentrated with a good freshness.
For Pierre Bessonnet, our Viniculture specialist who is passionate about the land and the remarkable interplay between man's hand and nature, his aim is to magnify terroirs to extract the very essence of these unique wines. As the son and grandson of farmers in the South-West of France, lulled by the scents of regional gastronomy initiated by his ancestors during traditional Sunday meals, for him, wine offers a character of authenticity and shared pleasure. There's something magical about blending that enhances each of his bottles.
