Harvest Update

We are 4 weeks into the harvest and by now most of the vineyards at Château Auzines and Château Cazal Viel are picked, with just a few plots of old vine Syrah and Grenache remaining.

We will issue a full harvest update in early October, but here is a preview:

Good news - overall, we have excellent quality! Despite a slow start and unusual conditions in winter and spring, the warm weather finally arrived in July and ripening progressed well. Some extreme temperatures in mid-August were initially a concern, but rainfall at night over consecutive days in the third week freshened up the conditions and the grapes retained optimum acidity with balanced sugars.

On the downside - we have seen yields reduced, especially in the Corbières, where we grow most of our Albarino and Chardonnay. As a result of disease pressure from a humid growing season in 2023 and the dry winter that followed with much lower rainfall than usual, these vines suffered. Viognier didn't struggle as much, with most of the vineyards in the less affected region of St-Chinian, where our Cazal Viel vineyards are located.

For the period of harvest the weather has been very stable, with periodic rainfall allowing full ripening of the Syrah and Grenache vines. The early harvest of Syrah for our rosé wines was particularly promising, with a very fresh and aromatic must produced.

Our new winemaker Véronique believes we have the makings of a wonderful vintage - here are some photos that she has taken over the last few weeks.

Watch out for our harvest report, which will be issued in the next few weeks.

A bientôt,

Neasa, Laurent and team