Muscadet, Bordeaux and the Rhone herald the start of a great vintage

fter a very challenging 2024 harvest, the chairman of the Nantes Wine Federation, Christophe Vilain, is already excited at the prospect of a new crop with harvesting starting for all Muscadets on August 21, earlier than initially thought. Hot weather in August expedited the ripening process. “The latest samples taken by the industry confirm the unparalleled alcohol potential this year with sustained acidity. The vintage therefore promises to be outstanding, comparable to 2003, 2022 and 2018”, he says, adding, “The vines are in magnificent condition and the grapes are very healthy”.

Volume estimates across the region’s 5,500 hectares under vine point to a crop of between 245,000 and 275,000 hectolitres. This will ensure supplies for the area’s existing markets – with sales totalling around 220,000 hl – and will replenish inventories, which have dropped to an all-time low of 110,000 hl.

In the Graves area of Gironde, Château Latour-Martillac also began picking its Sauvignon on August 21, around ten days earlier than a typical vintage. “The white grape varieties are set to deliver sufficient quantities, but above all, they are showing remarkably balanced freshness, tension and aromatic richness”, commented staff.

With alternate spells of favourable conditions and periods of extreme heat, summer also fastened the pace of ripening in the Rhone Valley. “Harvesting began over the past few days with the aromatic whites, which are two weeks ahead of 2024. The reds should soon follow”, said the region’s wine marketing board. Sugar-acid balance coupled with high quality aromatics and concentration hold the promise of a good vintage, on a par with 2017, 2020 and 2022, though fairly small berries in some areas could lead to reduced yields compared with 2024.