An early harvest, the 2005 vintage in Anjou, Saumur and Touraine was set to be a very high quality year right from the start.

The maturity that  was observed revealed a healthy balance between sugar and acidity, with expressive aromas. 2005  was a "Wise Old Year", with lower than average harvest prospects.

2005  was one of the hottest years recorded for 30 years and rainfall was very low, close to the levels of 1990. Plant growth, budbreak, flowering and ripening were all early, roughly a week ahead of time compared to normal years.

Without being excessively low, forecasts for the 2005 harvest were lower than in 2004 and yields were in the lower average range (harvest forecast at 1,600,000 HL, down by 6% on 2004).

In relation to the summer drought, the harvest was in an excellent state of health.

The requisite conditions were all present for an exceptional vintage similar to those of 1996 and 1990.

Cold nights preserved the aromas and doped the colouring substances.

Analyses carried out on the grapes revealed a perfect sugar/acidity balance, which meant maturity was pushed to the maximum.

When tasted, the individual grapes revealed a marked aromatic tendency, related to the milder August temperatures.

The earliness of the vintage was confirmed. The official start date for the harvest was 2nd September for the Muscadet, continuing the 7th in Anjou-Saumur for base and still wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and for base Sauvignon wines, and the 12th for Sauvignon and Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay de Touraine. The Côt, Cabernet franc and Chenin harvests were set for the second half of September.

More info?
Download the official publication dates for AOC harvests, the official publication dates for Vins de pays harvests, yields.