2009: proper cold winter

Saint-Georges-sur-Cher: frost on the vines this morning

Many of the recent winters in the Loire Valley have been mild. Instead the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 has seen extended cold weather. The current spell started around Christmas and shows no sign at the moment of lifting. Indeed today it is colder, although bright, than previous days. Overnight in the Cher Valley it was around minus 7 and around 10am still only -5.5˚C. The temperature is unlikely to rise above zero today despite bright sunshine. It is a little warmer in Saumur-Anjou – around - 4 early this morning.

This prolonged cold is good news for the vignerons as it helps to kill unwanted bugs and diseases in the vineyards.