After days and days without any drop of rain, which was becoming worrisome for nature, rain falls without interruption for the last days of year and beginning of this one. The river Charente overflows fields and vines take a dip ! Soils get difficulties to absorb so much water in a so small period…
Usually the climate is particularly mild in cognac land, due to the atlantic ocean and to its situation in south west France.
The past year has been totally impredictable :
First a mild (too?) winter, except few days in january
Frost came suddenly … on end of april, when the first small leaves and buds were out. A very rare and awful event fore winegrowers.
The day after…
About 10 % of the cognac vineyards did not produce any grape this year or in very small quantities. Fortunately, it has been an interessant harvest for the remaining 90 %.
Then summer has been hot and dry.
No rain in october and november, the moment for the water tables to fill up for the next spring and summer. It has been one of the most dry year since 40 years until… end december !
As the small rivers and the Charente received so much rain, they spread out on the banks, ,quite at the same level.
Thus, we get moving landscape, with some small short-lived lakes, trees with roots in water, such as vines, roads disappeared under water.
The quiet Charente looks like a mountain stream !
Boots are highly recommended to walk along vineyards and and food paths.
As we were in water deficit, we’re not going to complain even if this rain causes some temporary inconveniences. It’s good for nature.
