Paul Jaboulet Aîné

This marked the inception of a series of early harvests due to high temperatures, often reaching 32°C in the shade during the season. In 2022, this trend culminated in a record-breaking stretch of over 50 days with temperatures exceeding 32°C. It was a year characterized by exceptionally dry and hot weather, resulting in a historically early harvest. ” We started harvesting on August 11th, unprecedented in the memory of a winemaker. It’s in these extreme conditions that we truly recognize the greatness of our terroirs and the fruits of our labor.” The 2022 vintage has indisputably established itself as an exceptional one for Paul Jaboulet Aîné.

To tackle these challenges head-on, the team has taken a proactive approach, strategically adjusting their cultivation methods to confront both high temperatures and water scarcity. Under the guidance of Caroline Frey, a series of experiments, including one focused on vine foliage, have been diligently pursued.

The increasingly dry springs have posed challenges in building adequate water reserve, disrupting the vine’s vegetative cycle and occasionally causing blockages. The experiments involve allowing the vine, as a climbing plant, to grow and explore its environment naturally, forming bridges.

The goal of this maneuver is to avoid cutting the apex (the terminal bud of each shoot) to prevent the regrowth of auxiliary buds that consume water. This innovative technique enables the plant to self- regulate during periods of intense heat, promoting a more harmonious balance between leaves and fruit. Additionally, these natural bridges provide enhanced shading for the grapes and regulate the growth of interstitial shoots. However, the increased foliage also raises water consumption and may potentially lead to more pronounced water stress.