vintage 2012: Harvest 2012
LATE ARRIVAL FOR 2012 BORDEAUX HARVEST
Going from a rainy spring to a hot summer,has led to the 2012 harvest being another 'winemaker's vintage',according to the agricultural ministerStephane Le Foll.
Temperatures reaching 40 degrees over several days in August,meant that some grapes shut down entirely,while others were sun scorched.
Widespread mildew has also caused problems.With protective spray treatment [usually sulphur based],being used up to ten times by winemakers over the growing season.
The holder of Vignobles Ducort,Mr Jonathan Ducort,stated that it had been a 'stressful period',but that they had been able to keep their 13 chateaus thankfully in good shape.The young vines of Sauvignon being ready by September,with the older vines shortly following.Then semillion and Merlot.
The severe weather swings have meant however that 2012 was as small a harvest as 2011,according to the agricultural minister.
