There are three main factors
that make Bordeaux wines the
most exclusive, famous and
sought after in the world.
Grapes, like all other fruits depend on ideal weather conditions to produce a good, sweet, juicy crop. France, like England has erratic and unpredictable weather. A truly magnificent wine can only be produced in ideal weather conditions. From the
time the vine starts to bud in late April to the harvest in September or October, every drop of rain, every hour of sunshine and every degree of heat has its eventual affect on the quality and character of the wine. Hence the special uniqueness of each Vintage.
The beginning of April sees the beginning of the year’s crop with the first signs of life as the vine buds. Within 10 days of this the leaves have formed. A frost at this time of year would damage the crop thus reducing the total amount available. It is against the law to protect the vines with coverings, and you will often find the villagers out on a cold spring night using heaters and flame throwers to warm the air and protect the buds.
The vine flowers in early June and must go on for 10 - 14 days for good grapes to form. Heavy rain now could be fatal to the expected crop.
If the flowers escape rain and frost, grapes take their place. In August the grapes turn colour to red or translucent yellow. The ripening process will now begin and last for about 100
days. It is during this time that the weather will have its greatest affect on the wine, and will determine the eventual taste and character of the vintage produced.
Sometime between mid September and mid October the harvest begins, rain just before this meticulously timed operation can swell the grapes and therefore dilute the wine producedand reduce its quality and ability to age.