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The 2024 Harvest in Southern France: Navigating Climate Challenges to Produce Quality Wines

The 2024 wine harvest in the south of France underscores the complexity of producing quality wines in a changing climate.

Faced with a season marked by severe weather fluctuations, Bijou, a prominent wine brand in the Languedoc and Provence regions, has shed light on both the difficulties encountered and the positive outcomes achieved through resilience and innovative vineyard management. The region experienced substantial climate-induced challenges, yet the surviving fruit has shown high quality, offering optimism in the face of adversity.

Climate Conditions and Production Impact

Preliminary data from Agreste, France’s agricultural statistics department, forecast an 18% drop in overall wine production compared to 2023, bringing total production to around 39.3 million hectoliters. This decline highlights the impact of severe droughts interspersed with heavy rainfall, which stressed vineyards across Southern France. Specific areas, such as La Haute Vallée de l’Aude, saw a 30% reduction in Chardonnay yield, while Viognier in neighboring regions also suffered similar declines. The effects were even more pronounced in Rousset and Sainte-Victoire, with some vineyards reporting a staggering 50% loss in yield.

Emily West, Bijou's brand manager, emphasized the brand’s efforts to “turn difficulties into opportunities.” Despite the drop in yields, she noted that the quality of the grapes that survived was exceptional. This year’s climate challenges allowed for unique ripening conditions, particularly with more moderate summer temperatures in Languedoc. This slower ripening process favored a balanced phenological development, allowing for higher phenolic ripeness, well-balanced acidity, and an improvement in overall grape quality.

High-Quality Grapes Amid Reduced Yields

The more tempered summer weather was a stark contrast to the recent trend of intense heat waves, which often forced early harvests and impacted fruit quality. Bijou observed that this year’s conditions benefited varieties like Viognier, Chardonnay, and Syrah, which achieved optimal ripeness, adding appeal to the market. West highlighted the benefits of these conditions, explaining how the balanced development of these grapes has resulted in wines with a nuanced profile, well-rounded acidity, and a pronounced expression of terroir.

Sustainable Practices as a Key Strategy

Bijou’s commitment to sustainable viticulture was also instrumental in navigating this challenging season. Their growers employed eco-friendly practices such as cover cropping, organic pest management, and efforts to preserve soil health. These measures improved the resilience of the vineyards against environmental stress. Notably, Bijou uses Caladoc—a grape known for its durability—in its “Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose” rosé and plans to introduce Marselan, a disease-resistant cross that requires minimal chemical intervention. According to West, these initiatives not only enhance the wine’s authenticity but also reduce the environmental impact of production, creating a more sustainable approach to winemaking.

In line with their sustainability goals, Bijou reports that 95% of their grapes come from vineyards with HEV3 certification (High Environmental Value Level 3) and organic farming practices. The company has also supported the formation of a GDON group (Groupement de Défense contre les Organismes Nuisibles) for pest monitoring and established the GIEE (Groupement d'Intérêt Économique et Environnemental) to promote eco-friendly practices. These initiatives underscore a comprehensive approach to vineyard management, focusing on sustainable soil management, water conservation, and long-term viability in a changing climate.

A Promising Vintage Despite Challenges

The 2024 vintage from southern France tells a story of adaptability and resilience. While production volumes are lower, the quality of the surviving fruit reflects the dedication and proactive efforts of producers like Bijou. By leveraging sustainable practices and embracing climatic fluctuations as opportunities for enhancement, the region has managed to produce wines that are not only characterful but also carry the unique imprint of this challenging year.

Source: Vinetur

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