They were planted on April 1st of this year, and I didn’t plan to fool them. Yet, these little Pinot Noir vines valiantly faced the most severe drought ever recorded in Champagne. From planting until September 30th, 170 mm of rain fell. That’s not insignificant, but it’s very little. Usually, over the same period, it ranges from about 250 to 350 mm.
Watering a plant is like stepping into a demanding cycle: once you start, you can’t stop until the weather takes over, otherwise the plant will suffer too much. Watering a plant is very demanding in terms of logistics, time, and water consumption. You can imagine that on a plot of 25 ares (approximately 2,000 vines), each requiring at least 3 liters of water, you can’t just wander around with a watering can like you would with your garden roses.
The other solution is to hoe, again and again and again. The old saying goes: “One hoeing is worth two waterings.” It is right. Hoeing, and removing every last little weed leaf by hand. Only vines here, not a tiny drop for others. I chose this second option, not without anxiety, not without being ready to unleash the tractor and water tanker at the slightest sign of weakness. We hoed, we pampered; and the little Cercet vines survived this drought like pros. I hope they will bud in full strength next spring.