Our baby grapes are starting to flower...which means thet the rosé harvest (we do our rosé from young vines) should start in a 100 days !

Dear Friends,

While our "Spring" could actually be considered as a cool Sumer, our vines keep growing like crazy.

And even if they won't happen before less than a 100 days (an old school way to countdown harvest point when flowering happens), it is already time for us to think about harvest organisation. Our team is almost complete and, in case you would be interested in this unique experience, there is one seat left.

So far, vines are quite healthy and have some fruits, at least a bit more than last year, even if ours don't usually give much. Our efforts are concentrated on our baby vines which, like babies, need a lot of care.

Plowing the future big "Chardons" before it becomes to late...

I also started to take note of all that needs to be fixed for the harvest. Last year, our press machine broke and even if we now have a second used one, it would be wise to fix the broken one, just in case... We are also building a shelter just in case we would have to press under the rain (we have been very lucky so far) and I am shopping for a new old trailer to bring back our grapes from the flieds to the cellar.

At last, and that is very important, I have ordered the bulf beer for our Dear harvesters. At Domaine Roiuge-Bleu, it takes a lot of beer to make wine.

---

On another subject, I will be in Belgium (where we sold a lot of wines this year) soon to pour them. If you happen to be around, don't hesitate to join me :

- In Liège at "Vive le Vin", May 26th from 6 PM

- In Brussels at "La Maison des Vins", May 28th all day.

Thank you for all you support, buying our wines. Don't hesitate to email me if you have some trouble finding one of our distributors.

Cheers,

Jean-Marc
Domaine Rouge-Bleu

 

Comments

[Voie de Vie]

It definitely does take a lot of beer to make wine ... and also a lot of maturing rosé!

I am certain you will assemble a great team again this year.

Cheers!

[Nan Morrissette]

Dear Jean-Marc,

Thanks to the generous hearts (and pouring arms) of Charles McGrath and his Princess Martha, we were introduced to your AMAZING new wine, "Lunatique!" It is extraordinary and delicious. We immediately ordered three bottles (all we could get) and plan to share it with only the most special people we know, especially Charles and Martha.

One of these days we will meet and be able to say "Thank You" in person for your lovely wines, and "Thank You" to Kristen for her inspirational writing and spirit.

Until then, Peace

Nan and Tom Morrissette
Dunnellon, Florida

[Marianne Rankin]

As always, folks who drink wine may not realize all the time and effort that goes into making it. It will remain a manual operation to a considerable degree, which is good - I don't think "automated" wine would be half as good.

It's amazing that the kind of soil in the picture, which looks as though it wouldn't be good for much, can produce such fine wines. The human element is what brings about the transformation.

[Jean-Marc Espinasse]

Dear Denise,
The 2009 vintage team is one of the Best we had. Thanks for having been part of it
Dear Nan,
I am sure the time will come soo. Thanks for your kind words
Dear Marianne,
You are right, wine is human
Cheers to all,
Jean-Marc

[Suzanne, Monroe Twp., NJ]

Congratulations on the Wine Spectator ratings for the 09 Mistral and Dentelle!

[Pat Cargill]

Thanks for the update. The baby vines look so sweet and brave growing out of the harsh-looking soil which would seem not to support such growth! Beautiful. We have enjoyed your wines we purchased in D.C. this March. Bon chance w/the new season.

[Kathleen]

Since we cannot get your wines in Connecticut, we are letting that the ones we brought back from our visit with you reach maturity. We'll look forward to another visit and more wine. Bon chance with this years harvest.