This is the time of year when we always hold our breath at the estate. The famous “Ice Saints” (the traditional mid-May frost days) have just taken their bow. The risk of spring frost, so dreaded by winemakers, is finally fading away. And what a relief! Especially since this year, the weather decided to give us a particularly potent cocktail to awaken nature.
60 mm of rain and nature explodes!
If you live in the area, you surely noticed that last week was quite rainy. With nearly 60 mm of rain falling in just a few days, the soils of our organically farmed plots were able to soak up plenty of water.
Combined with the return of mild May temperatures, this rain acted like a true magic potion on our Dambach-la-Ville terroir. The vines have literally started growing before our eyes. The landscapes have traded their late-winter hues for a vibrant, bright green.
The miracle of inflorescences
If you take a walk through our vines right now, take a closer look. You will see miniature grape clusters: these are the inflorescences.
These tiny flower buds carry within them the entire promise of the next vintage. It is a crucial and fragile stage. In a few weeks, these inflorescences will bloom, and if the weather remains mild, they will transform into the beautiful grapes that will make our future Riesling, Pinot Noir, and other cuvées.
A race against time at the estate
Of course, “incredible growth spurt” also means a lot of hard work for the Schaeffer-Woerly team! The grass is growing just as fast as the vines, and in our organic approach, soil management is essential. We have to trellis, carefully guide the vines upward so they can capture maximum sunlight, and watch over this new cycle of life.
Celebrate spring with us!
The end of the Ice Saints and the return of patio aperitifs is something to celebrate! To match this beautiful spring energy, we recommend opening a bottle full of vibrancy and fruit.
Why not let yourself be tempted by our new Cuvée Le Loup (a bold blend of Pinot Noir and Muscat) to surprise your friends, or pop open a chilled Crémant d’Alsace to celebrate the sunny days?
[Visit our online shop to prepare for your weekends!]
Or even better: the village of Dambach-la-Ville has never looked more beautiful. Come visit us at the estate for a tasting in the cellar; we would be delighted to tell you all about what’s next in the season!
Passing through the Wine Route this spring? [Contact us by email to schedule a tasting!]