According to cellar master Laurent Vaillant of the Lombard champagne house
On 13.09 in the Couvrot, Epernay and Trigny areas ( Marne Valley and Massif de Saint Thierry vineyards belonging to the Lombard family).
The Montagne de Reims Ouest was one of the epicenters of mildew pressure, due in particular to heavy rainfall (mainly at flowering time): a climatic pattern close to laboratory conditions which led to very heavy losses on our 5.5ha. Organic viticulture is much more sensitive to these hazards, but we will remain faithful to the commitment we made 3 years ago. We're already thinking about the next harvest, which will be our first certified organic.
14 and 15.09 in the Proverville area(Aube)
In this region hard hit by the spring frost, the first pruning shears are being cut in the rain. We visit our winegrowing partners: at the press or in the vineyard, we discuss the 2021 campaign. The results: low yields (4 to 5,000 kg/ha), but a noble resilience emanating from the testimonials. The people of Aubois had been preparing for this small harvest since April, and our partners showed great precision in their viticulture. Quality was the watchword, and the grapes were meticulously sorted at harvest, offering excellent sugar/acid ratios.
16, 17 and 19.09 at Chatillon and Baslieux sous Chatillon(Marne Valley)
The mornings were cool and the days sunny. Harvest results vary widely from plot to plot. It's easy to spot the organic plots ravaged by mildew (fungus). In the words of one of our partners, who will not be making the appellation this year: "I'll take what nature gives me this year, and remain faithful to my organic convictions". This season, winegrowers worked 2 times more in their vineyards for an average of 2 times less harvest.
18.09 on the Verzenay terroir(Montagne de Reims)
Draining soils absorbed excess water. Downy mildew continued to develop, even after the rain of July 14. Nevertheless, vigilance was required with regard to botrytis, particularly in view of the cool night-time temperatures. The sorting instructions are still important to apply, but we'll see some fine 2021 expressions from this sector.
19, 20 and 22.09 on the terroirs of Vertus, Cramant and Cuis(Côte des Blancs)
The Côte des Blancs was certainly the region most spared by the rain. Although mildew was generally less prevalent, it gave way to powdery mildew in some areas. Ripening progressed well for the most part, despite rising botrytis (grey rot from the stem to the grape), bringing harvest dates forward.