The danger of frost seems to have receded this week after three cold nights last week. Not out of the danger zone until we are a bit into May.

Vines @Francueil

Aynard keeping all his fingers crossed!

Speaking to Aynard Clermont-Tonnerre (Clos du Porteau, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher: AC Touraine) this morning brought home the understandable worries the vignerons have over frost this year. "The vines started about two weeks ago," said Aynard. "Already the vines have two or three leaves. Last night the temperature dropped to minus one and it was minus 1.5 the night before. We are really on the limit and we have another three weeks of risk."

 

Hopefully history will not be repeated but 1991 when there was a very severe frost on the night of the 21st-22nd April that reduced the harvest by two thirds. Just as this year, the vines started very early due to the the warm, sunny conditions. The danger is warm sunny days followed by clear cool nights.

 

Fingers firmly crossed for the next three weeks. 

   

Frosted ground around 8am this morning: Epeigné-les-Bois

Another night of frost with the ground again white in places this morning. Will have to wait and see what the damage is. I'd hoped we might avoid a frosty night as it was cloudy at 5.30pm. Unfortunately the skies cleared during the evening, so another starry night with a slither of new moon and falling temperatures ...........

Meteo France is showing above freezing temperatures for the rest of the week.

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More added to report on visit to Baudry-Dutour here, although there is more to come.

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La Cave des Terroirs, Amboise
Today's NR reports that a new caviste has opened in the centre of Amboise – La cave des Terroirs. Owned by Christophe Galland and with Mathilde, a sommelier giving advice. The new shop stocks wines (especially La Loire and particulalry Touraine-Amboise), spirits and lemonade.

La Cave des Terroirs, 54, rue Nationale 37400 Amboise, tel. 02.47.23.09.16.