Millésime 2022

2022: A PROMISING VINTAGE FOR CENTRE-LOIRE WINES

After an uneventful growing season and a dry summer with only sporadic heavy rainfall, Centre-Loire vines were in optimal condition when the 2022 harvest started. The vintage should offer good volumes and a fantastic quality, ‘maybe the best in thirty years,’ says Francois Dal of SICAVAC, the technical arm of the BIVC.

Weather conditions for the year

The 2021-2022 winter was relatively dry in Centre-Loire. Sunshine and rain alternated in March-April, promoting plant growth, with two waves of spring frost taking place during the nights of the 3rd and the 9th of April. Damage was, however, limited thanks to low humidity in the vineyards at the time.

Budburst followed in mid-April, two weeks earlier than normal. From May, the weather turned warm and dry with only 40-50mm rain vs. 50-60mm over the last ten years. Flowering took place at the end of May in ideal conditions.

40-100mm rain fell in June but the July heat put paid to any risk of mildew. Grapes were therefore in perfect condition for the veraison in July. 

Harvest

The harvest started on 25th August in Menetou-Salon and for the Pinot gris in Reuilly. The rest of the ACs followed between the 5th and 10th of September. Yields ranged from good to very good, a relief for growers after 2021’s small crop.

First impressions of the 2022 vintage

‘The grapes were at optimal sugar and phenolic ripeness and the first juices are balanced and fruity with the characteristic freshness of Centre-Loire wines,’ says Francois Dal from SICAVAC. ‘Sauvignon exhibit white and citrus fruit aromas and Pinot Noir ripe strawberry and cherry aromas.’