CH’NG Poh Tiong
Owners of Mas de Daumas Gassac. The Guibert brothers with their mother Veronique Guibert de la Vaissiere
HIGH EXPECTATIONS – AND TEMPERATURES – IN THE LANGUEDOC
PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF MAS DE DAUMAS
The 2023 Harvest started a week ago in France in earnest.
With high expectations and soaring temperatures.
A heatwave had scorched many parts of Europe.
France was no exception, recording one of the hottest summers in history with temperatures in August exceeding 40° Celsius on many days.
Hopes are equally high at Mas de Daumas Gassac in the Languedoc.
“A vintage is the result of a year of work. It is the influence of the climate on the vines until the last moments … when the grapes enter the cellar. Last week, the vineyard experienced several days of intense heat. Fortunately, last weekend a rain storm broke out and since then, nothing but happiness! Beautiful sunshine, cool nights, magnificent skies!
“In less than a week we harvested the white varieties and the early red grape varieties. The berries are concentrated with little juice but with beautiful, powerful aromas. A thousand and one flavours now invade the vat room. Aromas of red fruits, flowers, white-fleshed fruits. The grape juices delight young and old alike!” enthuses Basile Guibert whose family are owners of the legendary estate.
