Prudence and vigilance, watch-words for the summer (1)

Around Cahors, as in so many other parts of France, the weather this year has been unsettled.

It was very hot in April. May was much cooler. In June, we had a succession of heat waves and heavy rains. This doesn’t indicate anything in particular about the final quality of our grapes. Yet in this period which leads from spring into summer, the number 1 issue at Château Lagrézette is watching out, and very carefully, for the natural threats lurking around the root stock, leaves and young grapes.

                                                         

What haunts us are diseases known as cryptogamic. Microscopic fungi attack the plants. Where grapevines are concerned, the two most known are botrytis and mildew. Botrytis can harm the vineyard. And yet sometimes it is welcomed: since it gives the fine sweet wines, such as the great Sauternes, their incomparable character. In such cases, the fungus takes the lovely name of "noble rot."

But such is not our concern.

Mildew, on the other hand is our enemy.

This fungus attacks the leaves and the grapes which have already set on. If it manages to spread, an entire year’s worth of work can be jeopardized ... and with it, the entire vintage. So our vigilance is constant: inspecting the plants daily.

Tomorrow, we will discuss another problem all wine growers are familiar with: the phenomenon known as coulures...