Beaujolais 2018 is ‘legendary’

Trade body InterBeaujolais has said the 2018 harvest in the region will “go down in history as a legendary vintage” alongside the likes of 2017, 2015 and 2009.

With the harvest just winding down in the eastern French region, the impressions of this year’s crop are already extremely positive.

The ripening period was “ideal” with no adverse weather and warm, dry conditions, while the very wet winter and spring meant there was plenty of water for the vines to draw on thus avoiding any hydric stress.

The final crop was in “outstanding health” and growers were able to take their time due to the weather to harvest at their leisure.

Betrand Chatelet, director of vine and wine research institute Sicarex Beaujolais, commented: “They [the wines] have the advantages of an early-ripening vintage, without having any of its disadvantages.

“They’re velvety. The wines are going to extract their colour and structure thanks to long periods of maceration. They are round and silky, but concentrated and rich. The tannins are subtle and elegant.”

The first Beaujolais nouveau will be available from 15 November.