Heat and little rain in Spring 2011 led to a sudden burst of growth. Flowering was three weeks ahead of a normal year. Luckily, there were periods of cooler weather during summer to slow down growth, cool the nerves of the wine growers.
Harvest started on 29th August and over the next two weeks, finishing with the Grenache, all our crop was in the winery.
All was done in perfect late summer weather, with cooling breezes assisting in the picking of a perfect crop.
After three weeks of fermentation and maceration, the wines are now resting in tank and barrel maturing over the winter.
2011 is a vintage that is remarkable for its concentration and deep colour, with the reds showing strong aromas of blackberries, cranberries, cherries and spicies.
The whites and rose will stay on the lees until bottling in early 2012, but it looks like a great vintage with aromas of pinapple, bananas and citrus fruits from the white and grapefruit and orange from the rose. Both have a lovely freshness leading to an elegant finish.
Domaine des Anges will be at various trade fairs this winter, the most important being VINISUD at Montpellier, 20-22 Febuary, and PROWEIN in Dusseldorf from the 4-6th March.
We look forward to seeing you there and take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2012!
