The vintage, 2008 season
After a rainy, yet mild winter, without any prolonged cold spells, spring arrived with some very localised frosts. Cool weather returned in June, which delayed flowering. During much of the vegetative period, little sunshine prolonged the feeling of freshness. Temperatures from spring to autumn were slightly better than the average of the last 30 years. The harvest started on 15th September, with dry, warm days and cool nights, and lasted for three weeks. The maturity of the grapes happened very gradually, which allowed them to preserve their beautiful acidity. 2008 is clearly a great vintage for Champagne, combining maturity with a vivacious energy.