Our 2008 vintage starts on September 29
There is really in Alsace the feeling to have been very lucky by avoiding the heavy rains which may have affected other areas. Since September 14 the weather is ideal, without any drop of rain, bright skies and cool temperatures. Just about the opposite of the disastrous conditions of 2006.
In spite of relatively low temperatures, maturations progressed very well, a new proof that our grape varieties are well adapted to our climate.
You can consult the figures of our own controls of maturities with the last carried out in certain plots of our estate on September 24. The evolution is very positive and shows the potential for excellent results for the actual harvest itself which may only in certain cases take place in about 4 weeks.
In spite of a summer again particularly gloomy, this 2008 harvest is looking well thanks to a weather which largely saved Alsace. We let to you consult the daily records of the temperatures and the rainfalls of our own weather station of this September.
The harvest of our own estate will only begin with a reduced team for now. The first two weeks of harvest will be primarily devoted to the reception of grapes (harvested exclusively by hand) of our contract growers according to a planning which will enable us to manage in the best possible conditions a vintage which is expected to be fair in quantity.
Listen to the interview of Johnny Hugel who gives us his feeling on the year 2008, his 60th vintage.