World Malbec Day
The 2018 French Organic Winery Harvest Report
Our 2018 French organic winery harvest is complete, and this year’s vintage, while not without its challenges, promises to be the best in many years.
Vignobles Raymond French Organic Harvest
Though rainy weather proved to be a challenge in Bordeaux, Vignobles Raymond had a good harvest this year, and the best news-Les Hauts de Lagarde Rosé will be back for 2019!
Due to heavier than normal rains in the spring, as well as July at the close of the grapes, mildew reeked havoc this year across the Bordeaux region. But the warm temperatures and ample sunlight the rest of the growing season allowed for deep ripening and rich flavor profiles. The negative result of the mildew was a loss of nearly 80% of the merlot crop. The methods used to combat the mildew due to the heavy rain included Copper spray, and Bentonite clay treatments, which capture humidity and makes it fall to the ground.
The harvest of the Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon started on September 4th at 3 in the morning. Due to ample sun, the grapes are more ripened and golden, bringing exotic notes, and apricot, with a hint of acidity.
The yield was around 30hl/ha.
The Rosé harvest started at 3am on September 11th a bit earlier than usual (usually around 15th/20th September) with a temperatures around 8°C. The pressing of the grapes was slow and soft because it is a year with lots of seeds in the grapes.
They are very careful not to extract the tannins of the pips. Everyone is excited at the prospect of having the Rosé back for the 2019 season.
About French Organic Winery Vignobles Raymond
Vignobles Raymond produces the highest quality AOC Bordeaux organic wines. Located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, not far from the city of Bordeaux, their wines have grown in the villages of Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Martial, and Saint-Felix de Conclude since medieval times. The Raymond family has a long history of growing wine, dating back to 1850.
The different properties of the domaine benefit from specific conditions: special orientation of the vineyards, composition of the soil, humidity, age of the vines…These conditions are refined during the winemaking allowing them to offer a large range of products. Over 20 people work in the vineyard and the cellars, and consistently looking for innovative techniques in terms of production, vintification with respect for the vines, soil and environment.
What makes the main difference in the wine produced by organic agriculture, is the word “respect”: respect of the soil, on which the vine is planted, respect of the vine, respect of the organic methods, and all of this for the respect of the environment and the respect of the consumer. Vignoble Raymond’s wines reflect a certain “savoir-faire,” speaking deeply to their heritage with a distinct taste of place that only organic wines can impart.
The Wines of French Organic Winery Vignobles Raymond
Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux Rouge – 65% Organic Merlot, 25% Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Organic Cabernet Franc, AOC Bordeaux
Dark garnet color. Smoky aromas and flavors of charred nuts, roasted berries, and clay with a satiny, crisp, dryish medium body and a medium-long nuts, craisins and cassis, and earth finish with woody, tannins. A fun earthy French red for the table or cellar. Tastings
Medium straw to pale gold. Aromas of white peach, lemon, honeydew, yellow watermelon, honeysuckle and creek stones. Dry and crisp with melon and ripe pear accented by bright lemon and lime zest. Hint of herbaceousness but driven by the fruit. Well balanced modern style. Tastings
Dark pink coral color. Aromas of fresh sliced red pepper, ash, and cherry cola with an crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a refreshing, medium-long watermelon rind and cherry skin finish with dusty, fine, fruit tannins and no oak. A highbrow rosé with interesting earthy character. Tastings
Bordeaux has always had Malbec in its vineyards although it is rare. This unusual wine shows how, in a fruity year, the grape can work well. The tannins are soft, giving a juicy black-fruited wine that is forward and delicious to drink now for its succulent fruit. WE
Le Petit du Château de Lagarde – 100% Organic Merlot, No Sulfites Added, AOC Bordeaux
Crimson red with intense purple hints. Le Petit du Château de Lagarde brings us immediate pleasure. Concentrated aromas of fresh red berries. It is a gourmand, aerial wine, with exciting living & free matter.
We look forward to the new vintage arriving this spring. In the meantime, the 2017 vintage is available for distribution and at fine retailers nationwide.
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