Tag: harvest

2015 Harvest and Vendange Event

Posted on by RobDomaine

We’ve got really high hopes that the first vintage we’ll be making under our new ownership will be one of the best ever at Grand Mayne.

The balance of the whites between acidity and alcohol, which were picked early in September, is very good, and early signs are that the wines will have the fruity character and freshness that we’re looking for.

We’re also delighted with the concentrated juicy fruit from both the Merlot and the Cabernet Franc, and there’s every sign that the Cabernet Sauvignon which is the last to be picked will be every bit as good.

All those who came to help at the grape picking festival over the weekend of the 26th and 27th September not only helped to get the harvest in under clear blue skies, but were also the first to taste the succulent fresh juice as it went in to the tanks.

Picking of Cabernet Franc was followed by a perfect vineyard lunch washed down by copious quantities of Grand Mayne wines. Then following a much needed siesta, it was back for a five course supper and dancing under the stars until well after midnight.

Sunday (with some slightly bleary eyes), was brunch, winery and vineyard tours.

A big thanks to all who made the journey and a date for diaries for next year’s event is 24th and 25th September 2016.

But don’t just take our word for it… hear what some of those that took part, had to say:

“What a great weekend and good to see and hear about all the changes in hand and planned to make the experience even better.The annual Vendange weekend will be back on our calendar from now on.”    Leonie and David Jones

“We had a great time over the weekend, meeting all the DGM people and made thoroughly enjoyable with the picking experience, fantastic weather, new people, food, wine, dancing, etc, etc” Nick & Sally Hornsey, Hampton

 

“Chris and I enjoyed the weekend very much and certainly enjoyed the wine. Next Vendange weekend is in my calendar and we definitely plan to be there in 2016.” Sue Green, Olney

 

What’s been happening at the vineyard this month?

Posted on by RobDomaine

News of awards, harvest and other things going on at the vineyard in August.

  •  Véraison is a viticulture (grape-growing) term meaning “the onset of ripening”. It is originally French, but has been adopted into English use. The official definition of véraison is “change of colour of the grape berries.” This month we’ve been checking that this maturation has taken place successfully and the berries have an increasing amount of sugar in them.
  • Following several weeks of heatwave, we’ve also had some much welcome rain. This has meant the team spending time checking all the vines to make sure they have remained free from disease.
  • In the cellar we’re working hard to organise things for the harvest. Fifi is fitting the harvest machine and we’re all planning the weekend for when our shareholders visit, as well as preparing barrels to rack the 2014 white and red wines.
  • Hector has joined the team to help out, as things get busier. He has been working on personalised labelling as well as running tastings in the shop.
  • We’re looking forward to hearing the results of the latest Hachette guide. We’re confident that we have received some awards but won’t know the number of stars, or the wines chosen until the end of August/beginning of September.

News of Domaine du Grand Mayne’s famous harvest weekend!

Posted on by RobDomaine

The harvest event at Domaine du Grand Mayne was one of the highlights of the event calendar for many years and now it’s back!

On the morning of Saturday 26th September you can pick up the secateurs and get grape picking before lunch and the obligatory glass or two of Grand Mayne wine. Having joined in with the harvesting, you’ll be able to relax later in the day in convivial surrounds with a celebratory meal and a steady flow of delicious wines.

On Sunday 27th you can shake off the cobwebs and join us for tours of the vineyard, a tutored tasting with Mathieu and brunch. The price for the weekend to include all food, wine, and entertainment is just £125 per person and that includes a small contribution to our favourite charity Action Against Hunger.

You may like to drive down and load up your car with your winter drinking but there are also plenty of flights available to Bergerac airport (30 mins), Bordeaux (75 mins) or Toulouse (120 mins), and we have a list of recommended gites and hotels that we can forward to you or you can find on our web site – click on the link below. Places are limited however so if you’d like to join us please contact Richard on 01256 772898 to reserve your place.