News from the Vineyard

July 28, 2021

By Raj Vaidya

Mildew in Hermitage

So much has been noted already about the extremely wet and difficult conditions around France thus far this season, that it comes as no surprise to learn that the spring frost and the rainy weather have also affected the Northern Rhône valley quite strongly. There was much less frost than in Burgundy here, and less mildew pressure and storm damage than in Champagne, but it remains a season that has challenged the producers greatly.

The continuous month of rain in June and early July made it difficult to treat for mildew, as the vignerons need a dry spell for the copper sulphate to take effect. A short, dry and hot period last week brought some hope, as it offered a window to treat effectively and some sunshine to help ripen the grapes and the moods of the vignerons.

This past weekend, however, rain returned and some mildew is now visible on the grapes themselves. Many producers are still optimistic even though it has been a tough season, but those whom I’ve spoken with tell me that without a superbly hot and dry August the harvest will be drought with problems, and a small yield most likely.

Here are some photos from the top of Hermitage from the far western edge of the appellation, in the Lieux Dit La Chapelle and Les Grandes Vignes.

Slight effect on leaves, a little on the grapes also over the past week.

Though this bunch is slightly affected by rot, what’s most interesting here is the two clipped green branches on either side of the cluster; examples of early shoots which were likely frost affected and therefore removed. This vine will probably produce no wine.

Mildew has arrived on some grapes on the high slopes in Hermitage.

But not all the vines have been affected by frost or mildew. Most of the Hermitage hill looks like this, plentiful clusters and fairly healthy grapes.