Proper rain, something that will soak more than the first centimetre of soil.  Yes, I know it is a little strange for an English person to be excited about it raining in the south of France – or even many French people, for that matter; we all have short memories when it comes to drought and the approaching summer holidays.  But right now, several thirsty looking vines are drinking their fill and saving themselves, especially the « babies » which were planted in March and have yet to develop the deep roots that will see them through in later years.  As the adult vines drink, so the grapes will swell, and there is still time to develop the sugars and concentrate the flavours,  before we harvest them next month.  The harvest potential is looking very good.  Right now, Pierre is fast asleep, but he’ll be out in the morning, smiling at the pluviometre.

It will also be a test for the concrete that we just re-laid outside the cave.  If we haven’t got the slope right, it could be a bit soggy in there in the morning; in which case, no one will be smiling…I might just go and take a peak.