The 2016 season began with a dry winter (484 mm v 610 mm on average between May and September). The heaviest rainfall was in August, with 239 mm.  Spring was cooler and had more rainfall than normal, in particular from mid-September to mid-November, resulting in “coulure” and “millerandage”. After fruit set, we noted a fall in yields due to loose, light bunches. Summer was particularly hot and dry. February 2016, and the last ten days in particular, was one of the hottest in recent years, with temperature variations reaching as high as 30°C (37.5°C  in  the  day  and  7.7°C  at  night).  Temperatures  fell significantly  in March with the autumnal equinox, and April brought unusually heavy rainfall (117 mm from the 
14th to the 17th).

In short, budding was delayed due to a cold spring and the arrival of El Niño. With delays to flowering and fruit set, the 2016 season saw most phenological stages lagging behind, but a hot summer with excellent conditions helped to produce beautiful grapes.