Claude and Joëlle Papin (Château Pierre-Bise) were in London last night to collect their 2009 Decanter World Wine Award – Sweet Loire Regional Trophy for their 2007 Quarts de Chaume. They were over for a flying visit – arriving yesterday afternoon by Eurostar and leaving early this morning. They have to be back quickly for on Friday they are off Brittany to celebrate, somewhat belatedly, Claude's 60th birthday – his real birthday is 21st August – with a three-day extravaganza. After all if the monarchy can have several birthdays why not Claude, especially as he makes such good wine!
It was good to hear that Vincent Ogereau is making a good recovery from his operation.
More details on Jim's Loire.
It was good to hear that Vincent Ogereau is making a good recovery from his operation.
More details on Jim's Loire.
•••
2009 vintage prospects
Pierre Luneau trying to find more of his very small 2008 vintage
Pierre Luneau (Domaine Luneau-Papin, Muscadet-Sèvre-et-Maine)
When I spoke to Pierre he was very happy with how the grapes are looking at the moment – very healthy, ripening well and a normal sized vintage – particularly important after last year's severely frost affected harvest. He expects to start picking around 14th September, although he thinks some of his neighbours may well start picking around the middle of next week.
Frédéric Mabileau
Frédéric Mabileau (Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Bourgueil and Anjou)
Frédéric told me that the grapes are looking very good, although they are short of water and that this is slowing the ripening. He is worried that the grapes will be very small with very concentrated juice and thick skins. A little bit of rain would be good. According to Météo France there is some forecast for the middle of this week followed by a return to fine weather. Clearly some rain will be welcome but not a downpour that might mean that the grapes take up too much water too quickly causing the skin to split and invite rot in.
The other news from Frédéric is that Thomas Meunier, who used to be their export director, left in July following this American girl friend to the US. He is now living in North Carolina and is setting up a wine agency business.
More details on Jim's Loire.
Pierre Luneau trying to find more of his very small 2008 vintagePierre Luneau (Domaine Luneau-Papin, Muscadet-Sèvre-et-Maine)
When I spoke to Pierre he was very happy with how the grapes are looking at the moment – very healthy, ripening well and a normal sized vintage – particularly important after last year's severely frost affected harvest. He expects to start picking around 14th September, although he thinks some of his neighbours may well start picking around the middle of next week.
Frédéric MabileauFrédéric Mabileau (Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Bourgueil and Anjou)
Frédéric told me that the grapes are looking very good, although they are short of water and that this is slowing the ripening. He is worried that the grapes will be very small with very concentrated juice and thick skins. A little bit of rain would be good. According to Météo France there is some forecast for the middle of this week followed by a return to fine weather. Clearly some rain will be welcome but not a downpour that might mean that the grapes take up too much water too quickly causing the skin to split and invite rot in.
The other news from Frédéric is that Thomas Meunier, who used to be their export director, left in July following this American girl friend to the US. He is now living in North Carolina and is setting up a wine agency business.
More details on Jim's Loire.
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