Harvest 2023 - Review of the 2023 vintage
“Undoubtedly one of the best vintages of the last 10 years!” This enthusiastic statement was made by Thierry Sansot, Director of Vineyards & Winemaking
The vineyards have experienced exceptional weather conditions. This year has once again not been smooth to our ‘Artisans Vignerons’: a cool winter, a very dry and windy spring, then a very hot summer with almost no rainfall. Fortunately, the harvest began on August 8, under milder temperatures with the Muscat Petits Grains grape variety, to elaborate our emblematic Natural sweet wines Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise. After a short pause to let the other grape varieties finish ripening, the harvest started again a few days later with the grapes for our future rosé and white cuvées.
That is why more and more winemakers have chosen to harvest at night, in order to preserve the freshness and aromas of the grapes, even if this leads to significant changes in the management of the harvest! The game is really worth it, because the grape berries harvested in this way are magnificent, healthy and perfectly ripe. An ideal basis for our winemakers & oenologists! The 2023 vintage promises to be very seducing in quality with good volumes.
Overcoming the challenges of organic conversion
Fabien Cabezas, Cave de Beaumes-de-Venise
"It has been a very good year overall, mainly thanks to the early-season rain. It was also a significant challenge for me in my first year of full-scale organic conversion and successfully combating cryptogamic diseases! I emerged from it extremely satisfied, without any damage and with a strong desire to keep improving. Organic viticulture is a natural progression for me in producing high-quality grapes. I enjoy the process of continuous improvement and evolution, in tune with the seasons. At the beginning of the harvest, the quality of the grapes was even better than I had hoped for, resulting in a promising vintage. As for my plans in 2024, I maintain the same motivation and aim to continue learning and evolving in my business."
A year of qualitative harvest!
Jérémy Aubéry, Vacqueyras Winery
"After a particularly harsh year in 2021 in terms of yields due to a late frost, followed by a 2022 marked by drought and heatwaves, 2023 brought the long-awaited return of a more reasonable climate year, without major incidents. Only the presence of wind during treatment periods somewhat complicated matters. The increased rainfall allowed the vineyard to withstand the summer heat calmly, and the vines displayed a higher grape load than before. Quantity and quality were both in abudance ! This is what we observed during various passes in the rows to taste the berries and check their health. All of this was then confirmed during harvest and now in the tanks. In 2024, I continue the restructuring work of my estate, namely the process of uprooting and replanting initiated several years ago to ensure the sustainability of the estate and that of our cellar. This involves the introduction of new grape varieties and the rejuvenation of the main appellation varieties, both red and white. This will be accompanied by the creation of vegetative hedges to maintain biodiversity, provide shelter, and shade. My wish for the future? That there are more years like 2023 in terms of climate and that the French interest in wine is reignited! We have a magnificent profession, but we do it primarily for consumers to appreciate the fruit of our labor."
Commitment and New Challenges
Lucas Girard, Rasteau Winery
"2023 was a very good year for me, both in terms of quantity and quality. It was also the year of a new challenge with my father: we were already certified HVE 3; we have just transitioned to organic farming. With 42 hectares, including 10 pruned in goblet style, it's quite a bit of additional work, but it's in line with our family philosophy, in tune with Rhonéa's 'Committed Winemakers' labeling. Collectively, it's important to show that viticulture is becoming increasingly virtuous. We naturally have some concerns about the decrease in sales linked to reduced consumption, as it leads to lower yields. I'm in the process of setting up as a 'Young Farmer,' and this has an impact on my investments and projects; for example, I'm considering diversification. On a personal level, I also have significant challenges ahead. After the Ironman, it will be the Barcelona Marathon and the Dentelles Trail."
Collective Challenges and Common Goals
Dorian Tourniayre & Brice Chanabas, Visan Winery
"2024 hasn't been easy for vineyard work : frequent rain showers required us to closely monitor for mildew and to pass regularly between the rows with the hoeing machine to limit vegetation growth. We were worried that the late August heatwaves would stress the vines and grapes. But ultimately, the harvest went smoothly, and the quality was there. The hard work paid off, and we are pleased with the results in the tanks! This motivates us even more to continue making quality wines that respect the environment and consumers. Our goals for 2024: achieve financial stability within our operations, even though we know it will be challenging given the crisis the wine world is going through. From this perspective, collective action is a strength we can rely on."
