South-West | 2021 vintage
The 2021 vintage proved challenging for all the vineyards in the region, spread across a wide geographical area. Freezing temperatures hit in April, affecting yields significantly in some cases, such as Cahors, where yields dropped by half compared to a normal year. Overall, the following months were rather bleak, combining lower-than-usual temperatures with frequent heavy rainfall, particularly in July, resulting in a fierce battle against diseases across the Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellations, as well as in Gaillac. Over in the Pyrenees, the Irouléguy appellation also faced unfavourable conditions, with cool, humid weather throughout the summer. Rain also dominated both the summer and the harvest in the Côtes de Gascogne. Fortunately, a milder August in some areas allowed the grapes to ripen well.
Overall, these weather conditions resulted in a fairly late vintage, with white and sweet wines performing particularly well. Fresh, well-balanced, fragrant wines with good levels of acidity are extremely flavoursome, especially in the Côtes de Gascogne and Irouléguy regions. The red wines often don’t display the same levels of concentration as those of previous, sunnier years, but they nonetheless offer delicious, at times crunchy fruit and supple tannins. These are very enjoyable wines that should be drunk young.
