Coulure

Grenache stem without fruits...That's "coulure"

Compare it with Grenache stem with fruits.

Dear wine lovers,

I remember last winter when I was pruning the vines with the help of Jérome that he mentioned the issues of Coulure, especially for the Grenache. At that time, this was an information among all the ones I was trying to digest.

Well, now that all the issues in the vines happen, I do understand what it means. That's the abortion of the flower which won't give fruits...Grenache, and especially old ones have this tendency, especially when the weather is unsettled like it is now and believe me, it broke my heart when I saw the damages. All was going too smooth so far and even the big rains we had 5weeks ago were great. But now, we alternate storms and strong mistral which also break the new vine shoots. Then, cold temperature with Mistral permits the oidium to develop and humidity brings mildiou, two fungus that can also reduce the future crop.

Last week, trying to prevent oidium issues with Carignan (they are very sensitive), I even poured some sulfites by hand, received some in my face which this made my eyes "couler" (cry)...especially when a big storm washed everything at night since I spent the day for nothing...

For my first year, I would have preferred easiest weather conditions. On the other hand, this "coulure" and this broken vines shoots will surely concentrate the resting grape. And since we should not have drought issues, we might be able to produce a great vintage...if the weather conditions come back to a more regular level.

At last, these rains will permit the seeds I planted 2 weeks ago to germinate. Watch this "artisan" seed planter in action !

For now and ever, I will certainly be watching the sky more often and while doing this, pray for nice weather.

Cheers,

Jean-Marc Espinasse - Domaine Rouge-Bleu