Definition: aoûtement

Lignification of young shoots at the end of a particularly hot summer, which bodes well for the vigour of the vines the following year. This physiological phenomenon also occurs on the grape stems. If lignification is sufficient, winegrowers who destem all their grapes can incorporate a certain percentage of stems into the fermentation process. This will enrich the tannins without the risk of imparting a grassy taste to the wine.