Vintage 2018 began with good winter and early spring rainfall, preparing the vines for the summer ahead.
In late spring the weather began to warm up and flowering conditions were moderate, but later than most years. The summer was extremely dry and veraison was late to commence but came on quickly as temperatures in late January rose.
The final ripening period of February and early March continued to be dry, however temperatures were mild and conditions were ideal for steady ripening and flavour development.
The Grenache vineyard has a North-Eastern exposure. Soils are shallow, red sandy loam over complex geology comprising quartz and ironstone gravels, weathered and calcareous sandstone, siltstone and limestone. Grapes were hand harvested on the 26th and 27th of March 2018.
The fruit was then open fermented and hand plunged for 10 days on skins, prior to traditional Basket pressing.
The wine matured a further 10 months in seasoned French oak puncheons.2018 BP Grenache Tasting Notes
