Burgundy faces tough vintage, after a challenging growing season

Burgundy is facing one of its toughest vintages in decades, following a year of challenging weather which has resulted in smaller bunches and more mildew pressures.

According to the BIVB, difficult weather conditions since April have reduced yields – by as much as 25% across Burgundy and Beaujolais according to official reports, although the BIVB said it was “difficult to estimate at present depending on the sector” and some reports suggest this may prove to be a conservatives estimate in some villages – requiring careful picking in order to “preserve [the vintage’s] promising quality”.

Atypical weather conditions have epitomised the growing season in Bourgogne which has seen rainfall well above normal – up to 50% more than average said – along with localized but severe frost and hail.

“These conditions have led to high disease pressure, requiring substantial work in the vineyards throughout the growing season to protect the crop,” the BIVB said. This has included additional pruning to increase air circulation and reduce disease pressure.

However, the BIVB remains hopeful about the quality of the grapes, due to the warm and relatively dry weather during August which provided favourable conditions for ripening. The arrival of “autumn-like conditions” at the start of the harvest, however, has proved tricky for growers to plan when to pick at the optimal point – Florent Latour, CEO of Maison Louis Latour told The Robb Report it had been “the most challenging season he has seen in nearly 50 years”.

“Only a careful assessment can determine the optimal harvest date to ensure the best quality,” the BIVB cautioned. “The utmost care is required this year, both in the vineyard and the winery, with strict grape selection… being indispensable.”

Despite this, it is hopeful of good quality grapes – pointing out that monitoring by the Bourgogne Wine Board’s (BIVB) Vintage Observatory had revealed a “promising” balance of sugar and acidity in the grapes, with the dry weather from September 12 has also allowed the grapes to continue ripening.

The harvest of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for the Crémant de Bourgogne began on 2 September, following by Pinot Noir for still wine in the second week of September.

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