The Oeno Files - A Gascon Wine Blog

About

Wine, whether it’s red, white, pink, sweet, dry or fizzy, is something that many of us enjoy. But, it’s not just a wonderful drink. Wine making is a fascinating and complex process that encompasses horticulture, biology, chemistry, engineering and rigorous organoleptic examination (that’s winetasting of course).

Viticulture and wine production, being an agricultural industry, is constantly at the mercy of nature, most directly climate conditions. Hence, there are ups and downs, good years and bad ones. Here in Gascony, being close to the Pyrenees, but also influenced by the Atlantic and Mediterranean, we are always on the receiving end of some pretty harsh weather – the “tempete” and flooding last year, the regular “orages” and hailstorms in spring, the severe droughts in August. I think I can safely say that wine production here is not for the faint hearted! However, when the sun is out and things are going according to plan, I think I have the best job in the world!

The OenoFiles blog, therefore, is to share my experiences with other wine lovers. I will catalogue the growing and dormant seasons in the vineyard, as well as recounting what’s going on in the winery, how the wines are tasting at different stages, and also answer any questions that come my way. As an introduction to me, Nick Patrick, my winery and blogging, you can visit my website at www.sedouprat.com.