Press Releases
Louis Bernard 2003 Pre-Harvest Report
August 13th, 2003, Orange, France -- François Dauvergne, Managing Director of Louis Bernard, a premier Southern Rhône viniculteur-éleveur*, predicts that 2003 will be an outstanding vintage offering wines that will exhibit a rare richness.
After the 2002 harvest, the region received a normal, steady amount of rainfall from October through December, which replenished water reserves. A severe winter followed, with the Mistral winds bringing negative temperatures in February. This cold weather was beneficial for bud-break, which took place one or two days later than in 2002, and five days later than in 2001. Temperatures warmed up considerably by April, and in most places, there was no rainfall after mid-May. The ensuing heat waves in June and July made for an exceptionally hot, dry summer.
As a result, the vines are currently in excellent condition. "The maturity levels we're seeing indicate that the harvest will probably begin at the end of August, a week earlier than usual," explains Dauvergne. "The grapes are small and concentrated, indicating that this harvest will be exceptional. We expect these magnificent grapes to make 2003 one of the best vintages ever in the Southern Rhône."
Dauvergne and Head Viniculturalist, Jean-Francois Ranvier, manage the over forty estates contributing to Louis Bernard's production. They visit each twice per week and offer expert technical advice and support throughout the growing season and harvest.
* Viniculteur-éleveur is a new alternative to the traditional French term, négociant, in which the duties of viticulturalist and oenologist are combined to encompass all stages of the winemaking process, from the vineyard to the cellar.
