Harvest Days 8-13 – Picking, and More Baie-par-Baie

Entering the second week of harvest, the monotony of the days and the process is evident. We, the harvest workers, are getting physically exhausted and mentally worn out.

The mood and spirit are still very good, but the upcoming prospect of some days (and months) without grapes is feeling promising.

This is hard work, from 7:15 until late; not the usual Winehog schedule. But this is living the Burgundy harvest, and the birth of the wines.

I don’t have much fundamental news to report, so I’ll make this short.

Picking the small cuvees on Friday

Maladieres and Aux Bousselots are two small cuvees of delight. The Maladieres, while only a Bourgogne Rouge, is one of the most beautiful expressions of baie-par-baie.

Picking Premeaux on Saturday

Saturday morning saw harvest of Les Grande Vignes in Premeaux, the village terroir next to the Clos des Grandes Vignes, and a place where the two domaines I chose to follow this year – Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair and Domaine Garcia – have something in common.

Picking the Marsannay Monday

Monday we entered Marsannay Clos du Roy, a big cuvee for the estate, with usually four or five barrels. This year was a struggle with low yields.

Picking the Charmois

We spent Monday morning on baie-par-baie cutting. After picking, it feels relaxing, but also somehow a bit monotonous despite the spirit of the equally crazy people carrying through.

Tuesday afternoon was the Winehog’s half-day off to update the blog and send out the weekly email shot (the first time I have made a small blunder producing the update). The Winehog is getting tired trying to keep up with my young co-workers. The ‘Hog is definitely getting older.

The result of the days, measured in baie-par-baie cuvees