2019: the magic of years in 9
2019 is a unique and highly contrasted year. It brought its share of stress, with moments of tension in many farms, while the harvest went very smoothly, for a final result which enthusiasts the professionals beyond their expectations. It was hot and dry, but the wines display a freshness that will delight lovers of Burgundy wines, accompanied by a delicacy that will seduce. The only downside is that the volumes are below an average year.
The winter is rather mild, with temperatures above average in December and February, while the rainfall is variable: December is very wet, February much less. The vegetative cycle therefore starts quite early, with bud burst slightly ahead in some areas.
The mild temperatures in March allow the vines to develop well. The most advanced plots reach the mid-bud break stage from the first days of April. But, a cold weather settles then on Burgundy. The frosts of April 5 in the morning, in particular, cause damage, more or less marked according to the sectors, the temperatures and the stage of development of the vegetation. Temperatures remain low and new frosts occur between April 12 and 15. However, their damage is much less. The vegetative cycle starts again only after mid-April, thanks to the rise in temperatures.
During May, the vines are developing well, with a heat wave sweeping through Burgundy until the beginning of June. Powerful gusts of wind and strong cooling then settle over France. They partially hinder flowering: it is delayed, with fairly frequent sagging and millerandage phenomena.
The heat and the lack of water are then essential. In the great majority, the vines maintain an excellent sanitary state until the harvest, the pressures of powdery mildew, occasional and localized, being quickly controlled. The few precipitations in August helped the development of the vines and launched the veraison. In very variable quantities depending on the geographical areas, they create a strong heterogeneity in the advancement of the vegetative cycle, from one plot to another, but also, sometimes, within the same plot. This heterogeneity is maintained until the harvest.
Overall, the vine held up fairly well to the lack of water, remaining vigorous until the end. However, it affects certain plots more severely at the end of the season, particularly on young plants. A little grilling then occurs.
The end of August and the beginning of September remaining in good shape, the maturation is done at a good pace. Some phenomena of concentration are to be noted in September, but, thanks to the millerands, once is not customary, the acidity remains present until the end in the berries.
The harvest for the Crémant de Bourgogne begins on August 30. Those for still wines start a week later and run until mid-October. This unusual duration is possible thanks to the excellent sanitary condition of the grapes and the maintenance of favorable weather conditions. Taking into account the diversity of maturities of each plot, the winegrowers harvest to the rhythm of the grapes. No geographic rule: maturity analyzes and berry tasting prevail.
White wines
Fermentations start very easily and end slowly for the less advanced vintages.
This frank vintage is characterized by great aromatic purity and remarkable balance: the liveliness supports a richness in the mouth that is clearly present.
Red wines
Fermentations go smoothly, although at very different rates depending on the plots. They are indeed a little longer when there are a lot of millerands in the harvest.
Fairly sweet ruby, the wines present real elegance, with supple tannins and a pleasant freshness. The gluttony is brought by an already well marked fruit.
2019 is a vintage in the making, with a very beautiful harmony.