A combination of exceptional weather conditions and the care and attention of the growers, makes 2007 an exceptional vintage. The first signs of phenolic ripeness announced at the start of the harvest have now been confirmed. “The 2007 vintage will be truly great!”
According to the growers, it is extremely rare to have such a calm and trouble-free vintage.
1) Tastings of the free-run juices:
For Côtes du Rhône and for other Southern Rhône appellations, the first juices are highly coloured, aromatic and expressive.
The fruit character is clean and straight-forward. The rounded Grenache is developing attractive fruit notes.
The whites are good and very well balanced, whilst the rosés are also highly aromatic with well-developed colour.
In the North, the whites are showing great aromatic potential, a blend of ripe and fresh fruits, and a rich roundness on the palate.
The reds are showing intense colour with ripe and fresh fruit aromas. On the palate, they are well structured with elegant tannins.
2) Testimonials :
“It’s rare to get a great vintage in a year that ends in a 7, except of course for 1947, but as a general rule, a year ending in 7 is never going to be a great vintage. 2007 is the exception to the rule. For the Rhône Valley, this will be a very good vintage and I am not one to eulogise about a vintage unless it really deserves it.”
Jean-Pierre PERRIN / President of Perrin & Fils SA and Director of Château de Beaucastel, Courthézon.
“Exceptionally good weather in both southern and northern Côtes du Rhône allowed harvesting to start late. The grapes are very healthy, beautifully ripe, bursting with fruit and well balanced. The whites are quite remarkable. The reds are fruit-driven in style and show good colour. They have great ageing potential. We are in the presence of a truly great vintage.”
Marcel GUIGAL / President of Guigal, Ampuis
“2007 is without doubt a great quality vintage. Conditions in the vineyard are almost perfect - I haven’t seen that for 17 years! Ripening was slow and gentle, producing fruity and straight-forward wines, showing great colour.”
Jean-Jacques DOST / General Manager, Cave des Vignerons de Rasteau
“This is a very expressive vintage showing good concentration. The juices are delicate and aromatic, with an impressive colour intensity. The 2007 vintage will help the region increase its share in export markets, by producing modern wines, which still retain the typical Côtes du Rhône character.”
Bruno KESSLER / Member of the Managing Committee of Les Grands Chais de France and President of « AFED » (Association Française des éleveurs Embouteilleurs et Distributeurs de vins et spiritueux), the official organisation of wine and spirit bottlers and distributors in France.
The harvest seems to be greater this year, though the dry summer weather may give rise to reduced yields, and in turn, high levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols.
Total production for the 2007 vintage for AOC and Rhône Valley wines is estimated at approximately 440 million bottles, of which 240 million are regional Côtes du Rhône.
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