Hail wreaks havoc in Sauternes

April is always a time for worry amongst wine growers, especially when unseasonably warm weather has encouraged vines to shed their winter protection.

Last week, a violent hailstorm left growers in the Sauternes appellation devastated with at least forty percent of the vineyard damaged. Two villages in particular – Sauternes and Bommes – out of the five which produce Sauternes and Barsac were seriously affected by hail on the evening of Easter Monday. Several leading growths suffered severe damage out of a total 80 or so growers who have reported losses. These were worsened by the fact that vine growth was three weeks ahead of normal. Huge hailstones were sighted, damaging both growth and the wood itself. Press reports claim that of its 113 hectares under vine, around 20 hectares at Château d’Yquem were affected by the storm, whilst 70 percent of the harvest at La Tour Blanche is reported to have been lost. It is still too early to assess the financial impact of the storm and adverse weather conditions will remain a threat from now on.