Select a region
Unique weather patterns this summer have left the island’s only vineyard “cautiously optimistic” as grape harvesting comes to an end.
While a wet and cool midsummer, sandwiched between sun-soaked periods in June and September, may not have been ideal conditions for islanders to enjoy their summer holidays, it has turned out to be the “perfect balance” for grapes at British vineyards, including La Mare Wine Estate.
Located in St Mary, the vineyard is now poised to create wines of "nuanced character". This is in contrast to France, where a scorching summer led to an early harvest.
Despite challenges posed by the weather, representatives of La Mare Wine Estate have said they remain "cautiously optimistic" about the 2023 grape yield.
Last week, the estate harvested its Rondo grapes – having already harvested the Pinot Noir and Orion.
Pictured: Vinyeard Manager Andrew Smith with Head Winemaker Jordi Sanvicens Moreno.
Head Winemaker Jordi Sanvicens Moreno said: "Nature has bestowed upon us a remarkable gift this year, allowing us to exercise patience and precision in our winemaking.
"After the unusually wet summer, we've embraced the September sunshine to nurture our grapes, patiently waiting for that perfect moment of ripeness.
"This extended hang time on the vine has allowed our grapes to develop optimal sugar levels, balanced acidity, and nuanced flavours, ensuring that we harvest fruit of the highest quality for our wines."
In response to the unusual rainfall patterns, proactive measures such as strategic canopy management, selective thinning, and meticulous trimming have been undertaken to keep the vines healthy.
Jordi has previously opened up about the the ongoing challenges of the industry in a post-Brexit climate.
He explained that the volume of German and French tourists visiting the island has decreased, impacting the vineyard's potential market.
Ordering supplies can also be more difficult and time-consuming, he explained.
The central farmhouse at La Mare Estates was built in 1797 by the De Gruchy family, when the area was dedicated to farming apples.
The estate gradually fell into disrepair until 1968, when it was revised by the local Blayney family.
In 1972, Robert and Ann Blayney planted Jersey's first commercial vineyard there.
All of the wine produced stays on-island, and can be purchased either at the vineyard itself, at the Maison Jersey store in town, or in the duty-free shop at Jersey Airport.
Pictured: La Mare Wine Estate does not export its products.
La Mare recently planted 17 new rows of vines, including 12 rows of Solaris vines, a variety of grape used for producing white wine, with five rows of Regent, a red grape variety.
The new vineyard is over half a hectare in size and replaces the Phoenix and Seyval Blanc varieties that were over 50 years old.
Jordi has been the head of wine production at the vineyard since August last year. Originally from Catalonia, he studied wineology in Spain, before setting out on his wine-making career in 2006. Before moving to Jersey, Jordi was involved in wine production in Indonesia.
At La Mare, the Head Winemaker is responsible for the production of over 10,000 litres of wine a year – equivalent to around 13,000 bottles.
Pictured top: La Mare's Head Winemaker, Jordi Sanvicens Moreno, harvesting grapes last week.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.