CH’NG Poh Tiong
The vendange or harvest is an emotion-filled high point in the life cycle of a winery.
In 2021 – the world still grappling with Covid – happiness is tinged with sadness.
In all of France, vine yields are down dramatically because of frost.
At Languedoc “First Growth” Mas de Daumas Gassac, their top white is less 60%!!! As for their sparkling Rosé Frizant, it’s 50%!! In the case of their top red, that is down around 20%!
The dive in quantity notwithstanding, a very high quality is expected.
The harvest had started on Monday 6 September.
Seventy-two hours before that, Covid PCR and Antigen Rapid Tests were conducted on all 70 pickers from 15 different countries.
Harvesters were divided into 8-person teams. They stay together throughout the harvest and cannot change or mix with other teams. Everyone is provided with three masks. Harvest teams and cellar teams do not have contact with each other.
Proprietors of Mas de Daumas Gassac. From left, Samuel, Gael, Basile, and Roman Guibert.
