The BNIA says that the vines got off to a good start in the spring with favourable weather conditions. It was followed by a hot July and then the right amount of rain in August advancing the maturity of the grapes.
The harvest was two weeks earlier than in normal years, starting on September 10.
The BNIA says it is important to harvest early as the producers are looking for wines that are high in acidity and low in alcohol for the distillation and particularly as October can be sunny and warm. When harvesting early, it is important to distil early or keep the wines cold.
The harvest this year is of good quality; it will be fruity and rich with fine lees. Producers of the premium French brandy are expecting a particularly good vintage, says the BNIA.
