Vintage conditions

2012 Vintage

Apart from a few days of extremely cold weather in early February, it would be fair to say that Champagne benefitted from a mild, if not rather wet, 2011/2012 winter. The weather then proceeded to warm up very quickly, creating an almost summer-like March (i.e. sunny, warm and dry). On average, budburst occurred at the end of March, approximately two weeks earlier than usual. Cold conditions returned in April, with temperatures falling below 0°C across ten nights. Dry conditions assisted to limit damage, although spring frosts still destroyed a part of the crop, particularly during the nights of April 16th and 17th. From May until mid-July, the weather remained cool and wet, which slowed the growth of the vines. August delivered terrific weather. Perfect warm and dry conditions during the last weeks of ripening paved the way for a relaxed harvest of sound and impressive fruit. Optimal levels of ripeness were availed and picking commenced on 12th September. Although the 2012 harvest was not huge, it will certainly set a new benchmark and a legacy of long-lived wines.