Languedoc | 2019 vintage
Marked, just like the majority of French wine-growing regions, by a year of chaotic weather (frost, hail, a heatwave in June that “scorched” the vines, long dry spells, etc.), Languedoc's 2019 yield was low when compared to the average across previous years. However, the favourable weather conditions before the harvests meant that, generally speaking, ripe and healthy grapes were picked.
Despite a significant drought on the slopes of the different crus (Terrasses du Larzac, Faugères, Saint-Chinian, Corbières, Minervois, etc.), the traditional varieties of Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, etc. seemed to withstand the weather and retained a satisfying balance, particularly at domains where the vines are situated at a certain altitude.
The red wines are rather aromatic and have retained a beautiful tautness, especially in the Saint-Chinian and Faugères appellations, thanks to dry days and fresh nights in the weeks leading up to the harvest at the start of September. There was a small amount of welcome rain towards mid to late September which meant that ripening was not impeded for the varieties harvested later such as Mourvèdre. Syrah seemed to suffer a little more, sometimes containing some slightly jammy notes without actually having reached full ripeness.
The weather conditions in 2019 were slightly less favourable for Languedoc's white wines. It was better for biodynamic winemakers (who favoured acidity) and the vineyards that are planted at a higher altitude.
