It is well into the monthe of May and the weather here in the Touraine region was and is uncommonly mild. It finally rained and the needed rain is almost up to usual amounts. The vines are looking good too. . My friends have remarked to me that the tempratures are more like "spring" than winter. While they are enjoying the bright days and comfortable nights, the wine producers are pleased that the vines are fitting the developement to the Spring. The vines are certainly waking up now and the energy they expend is going into leaf and bud developement. . While this is taking place in the vineyards, the producers and cellar personnel will turn their attention from sales to the needs they have recognized in their cellars. It would be a good time to replace tanks (wood or steel) or add new barrels. And certainly they will repair (or replace) other machines in the winery. Perhaps a new press ? or other machines in the heart of the winery.
As the juice from the 2011 vintage turns into new wine, the producer and his cellar personnel will taste the new wines, evaulating the particular vineyards' production and quality...and certainly a special vineyard that produces a "Vieille Vignes"wine.
****************The world-wide anticipation of "Beaujolais Nouveau" is on the wain. It seems now the best sales are just before the Christmas and New Year holidays. When wine shops and super markets once brought in several different labels of Beaujolais Nouveau, now they are bringing in one or two only. Today, as in the history of Beaujolais Nouveau, the leading producer is Georges DuBoeuf. His wine is always very good and well-priced for quality.*****************
I look forward to the development of all of France's wines from the 2011 vintage and certainly hope it will be a year sought out by marketing operations all over the world...Good Luck..!Alan...
....Alan