2018 Harvest Notes

2018 was characterized by a mild and relatively dry winter with only a few frosty mornings. However, we had a cold start to spring with a little rain two or three times per week recurring from April to the beginning of June. Thus, every moment was marked with vigilance. The key words were monitoring and responsiveness to fight off powdery and downy mildew. We were able to save the harvest thanks to Fabien Leperchois and the team’s savoir-faire during nights and weekends.

Biodynamic winemaking was our best ally to do so. Horsetail, dandelion and wicker infusions as well as quartz 501 silica let us to stimulate and put the vine’s immune system defences on alert.

The months of July and August were rather hot and dry. A drought started to settled in, but happily we had a beneficial rain during the last two weeks of August. Unfortunately, many wineries lost part of their harvest due to disease.

Harvest began with the white varietals on September 4th. Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache and Clairette followed before wrapping up with Carignan, Mourvèdre and Marselan by September 25th.

We had the luck to have weather on our side, which allowed us to make our selections as we pleased and to obtain optimal phenolic maturity. We are able to offer consumers a palette of rich and delicious fruit during future tastings of this vintage.

Tasting notes

White Lirac

A first nose with peach aromas, then Williams pear.

An exotic fruit attack that makes us travel, followed by mango (mango pit) and apricot, which beautifully lingers in the mouth. A good intensity. A finale with notes of white flowers. An elegant equilibrium.

Tavel Rosé

A magnificent colour of sparkling, violet reflections.

The first nose is an explosion of red fruit in which we discover the delicacy of wild strawberries and raspberries with a touch of vanilla.

In the mouth, we find richness and complexity with rose, English candy, strawberry jam notes and caramelized raspberry. The length is infinite. We never get tired of pouring another glass in order to explore all of its secret aromas!

Red Pays d’Oc Syrah

Our Syrah reminds me of my childhood when I would gather bouquets of violets with my grandmother. Its nose is as fine as this flower that expresses itself like none other.

In the mouth, we run into blueberries, violets and blackcurrants that give us a supple, creamy note. It’s a treat!

Red Côtes du Rhône

A more complex nose. A blend of red and black fruit: blackcurrant, cherries and blackberries.

The mouth reminds me of a dark fruit tart. First, you bite into blackberry, then you feel the blackcurrant seeds that burst against your palate. Redcurrant notes bring a touch of acidity, then the sweet buttery taste of pie dough comes at the end.

Red Côtes du Rhône No Sulphites ++--

In the tradition of its sibling, but with a higher finish. It is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, typical varietals of the southern Rhône Valley, with fresh fruit, raspberry and strawberry jam aromas in the nose.

In the mouth, it attacks with blackcurrant, then violet before a longer finale of Morello cherries and black olives.

Red Lirac

A powerful, rich and complex nose. Blackberries dominate, followed by blueberries.

In the mouth, a blackberry-blackcurrant nectar with a powerful smoothness reveals itself. Black olives and vanilla add themselves, creating such a delicacy! A wine that will speak for itself.

Summary

Our 2018 vintage is magical. The wines are fruity and full of flavour, encouraging us to bite into them. In short, pleasurable wines!

The entire Biodynamic Wine team will be happy to have you discover this new vintage at the beginning of 2019!

A word from our cellar master Fabien Leperchois: “I would like to thank everyone for your trust, for exchanging and sharing moments among friends and family with our biodynamic wines. I hope they give you moments of well-being every day. See you soon!”