Chablis hails good vintage, although yields dip below average

Chablis has reported a good quality vintage for 2019, and although overall yields are below average due to the unpredictable weather and late frosts, they remain well ahead of the difficult 2016 and 2017 harvests.

Louis Moreau, president of the Chablis Commission of the BIVB said he was pleased with this year’s vintage, describing it as “beautifully balanced”.

“Our wine growers are having to work that bit harder to adapt to the changing conditions we are seeing in terms of temperature and rainfall, but with the knowledge we have going back generations along with the team effort within the Chablis community, we have been able to produce a top quality vintage,” he said.

However the dip was unlikely to affect stocks, he added, as the strong 2018 harvest had provided a higher than average volumes, ensuring Chablis can meet demand through the VCI reserve system, which permits producers to set aside a stock of wine that they can use at a later date when yields are low, with stock sold under its true vintage year, to ensure market demands are met.

The area got off to a good start after a mild winter, with buds appearing earlier than usual, but the cold Spring saw frosts as late as May, which did affect vines in some areas. However the cold Spring was followed by a hot dry summer, that continued through August and September, boosting vine health. Harvest took place in mid-September.

Last year’s unusually warm summer meant the BIVB hailed the 2018 vintage as “the best in 20 years” for the region in northern Burgundy, following two difficult years.