Yves Guegniard with his Cabernet Sauvignon

Thursday 29th September was another very hot and virtually cloudless day in Anjou with temperatures reaching 32C in Saint-Aubin in the early afternoon. Even at 6pm it was still 30C in Brissac-Quincé. Many producers have spoken of how delighted and surprised they are by the change in the weather over the last ten days, which has transformed the outlook and potential of the 2011 vintage.

Cabernet Franc destined for Anjou Village Brissac at Domaine de Fesle (Jacques Beaujeau, Château de Varière)

Jacques Beaujeau checking the alcohol degree of his Cabernet Franc

Alexandre Cady (Domaine Cady)

 

Philippe Cady

Alexandre Cady with his 2010 Grolleau

We visited a number of Anjou producers today. They were all happy with the way the 2010 harvest is progressing even though the good weather of last week has broken. They don't need any more rain and some more sunshine would be good. However, for the moment rot is under control and the grapes are coming in at good potential degrees of alcohol - many Grolleaus at 12 or more, which is unusual. A few producers are starting small pickings of Chenin Blanc.

Here are a few photos:

  Golden Chenin Blanc@Domaine de Bablut, Brissac-Quincé

Coulée de Serrant, Savennières

Future 2010 Coulée de Serrant

Victor Lebreton, Domaine de Montgilet sorting plastic picking boxes

Domaine de Montgilet - new vibrating table to remove leaves etc.

Jo Pithon outside the new Pithon-Paillé winery in Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay

Looking across the Layon towards the Quarts de Chaume and the hamlet of Chaume