Cabaret Noir was the first variety to be harvested, and the grapes were in superb condition with exceptionally high sugar levels. The Pinot Noir looked just as good and was picked shortly afterwards.
Pinot Meunier, however, told a different story. The grapes were ripe and ready to be picked, and plans were made to harvest a few days later. Within that short window, temperatures surged to 28–30°C, and black flies (Spotted Wing Drosophila) arrived. It appears that the wasps had damaged the grape skins, attracting the flies to the sweet juice. As a result, over 50% of the crop was unusable.
Despite this setback, it was overall a strong second harvest, with more than eight tonnes picked.
Another year of learning, and this time dealing with new challenges. We are hopeful that the recent cold snap will have reduced the number of black flies living in nearby hedgerows – and the wasps too.
