It’s now the home stretch before harvest begins around mid-August, and the to-do list is full! Camille will take samples in the vines starting on 10 August and the results of analysis, notably sugar levels, will determine the start date.

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It’s now time to anticipate this period of intense activity for the teams, reinforced for the occasion to around fifteen people in the cellar, and twenty or so in the vineyard to supervise the pickers.

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The new barrels have arrived, 130 in total, made from fine-grained, 100% Cistercian oak that we selected in the forest of Cîteaux, seasoned for three years on the property, and crafted by different cooperages. The proportion of new barrels that we use each year is around 20%.

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We have already begun ensuring their water-tightness by watering them, as well as the wooden vats that our cellar worker Jean-Luc has begun hydrating in the same way.

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The grape reception tables, consisting of 2 sorting tables and 2 vibrating tables for whites and reds, have been checked and repaired if necessary.

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And finally, the two pneumatic presses for the whites and the vertical press for the reds have been inspected, as have the trucks that are used to transport the grapes. There are now just 1,200 crates to wash to finish the complete cleaning of the cellar and the vats.

And then we can go on holiday!