As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that the 2015 vintage for Sauternes was truly exceptional. The weather conditions during the growing season played a crucial role in producing high-quality grapes and ultimately, outstanding wines.
The spring of 2015 was warm and dry, which created the perfect conditions for the vines to flourish. The absence of excessive rainfall allowed the vines to focus their energy on growing and developing healthy bunches of grapes. This early advantage set the stage for a promising vintage.
Moving into the summer, the weather remained mostly hot and dry. While some may argue that excessive heat can be detrimental to grape quality, in the case of Sauternes, it actually worked in favor of the wines. The dry conditions concentrated the sugars in the grapes, leading to intense flavors and higher potential alcohol levels.
However, it is worth mentioning that the lack of rainfall during this period did raise concerns about water stress. But nature has its way of balancing things out, and relieving rains eventually arrived. These well-timed showers provided the vines with much-needed hydration, preventing them from becoming overly stressed and ensuring the development of balanced flavors in the grapes.
One of the key factors that make the 2015 vintage for Sauternes exceptional is the intermittent dry days that followed the rainfall. These dry periods allowed the grapes to dry out and concentrate further, which is crucial for the production of Sauternes wines. The noble rot, or botrytis cinerea, thrives in these conditions, causing dehydration in the grapes and intensifying their flavors.
Personally, I had the opportunity to visit some vineyards in Sauternes during the 2015 vintage and witnessed the meticulous care and attention given to the grapes. The vineyard workers were constantly monitoring the weather conditions and adjusting their vineyard management practices accordingly. This dedication and commitment to quality were evident in the resulting wines.
To summarize the exceptional aspects of the 2015 Sauternes vintage:
– Warm and dry spring set a strong foundation for a successful growing season.
– Mostly hot and dry summer concentrated sugars and flavors in the grapes.
– Well-timed relieving rains prevented water stress and allowed for balanced flavor development.
– Intermittent dry days after rainfall promoted the growth of noble rot, enhancing the quality of the grapes.
– Meticulous vineyard management practices and a commitment to quality resulted in outstanding wines.
The 2015 vintage for Sauternes was undeniably a great year. The favorable weather conditions, combined with the expertise and dedication of the winemakers, contributed to the production of exceptional wines with concentrated flavors and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.