2017, the vintage Esca spiralled

rench vineyard technicians are unanimous: disease pressure was generally low during the 2017 growing season, with the exception of Esca which was extremely prevalent this year. Currently, the only figures available are for Cognac. During veraison, the region’s marketing board estimated that 10.3% of vines analysed showed symptoms of Esca, making 2017 the second-worst year for the disease since tallying was introduced in 2001, below the 2012 total of 12%.

Whilst the figures confirm the significance of contamination, providing an explanation for the outbreak is much more challenging. “Esca is not a disease, it is a symptom, partly due to the weather, to fungi and to the plant’s condition”, outlined Gérald Ferrari, deputy director of the Charentes viticultural centre. “Apart from the fact that in 2017, extreme conditions made the plant more sensitive”, he added, making no bones about his inability to explain the phenomenon.

Unusually prevalent

The prevalence was witnessed as much in the vineyards of Alsace as in Jura and Burgundy, confirmed Massimo Giudici, master pruner for Simonit & Sirch. His colleague, Tommasso Martignon, reported abnormal symptoms in Bordeaux: “In Sauternes, this is the first time we have seen such a prevalence of Esca in vineyards planted to Sémillon blanc, which normally shows resistance”.

In the Loire, “Sauvignon blanc is significantly affected this year. Even more resistant grape varieties like Pinot have been showing more outward signs”, added viticultural advisor François Dal. The Sancerre technician, who is an expert in this field, also intimated that he had never seen such an outbreak in his career, except in vineyards that were adapting management techniques.