The Stellar 2023 vintage is living up to expectations…
… and is ready to make its international debut at the Bourgogne Week in London, early January. More than a year after the harvest, Bourgogne is delighted with the wines of the 2023 vintage. Remarkably, this vintage combines exceptional quality with generous volumes—a rare and extraordinary achievement, setting 2023 apart as a standout year.
Though it may now seem a distant memory, 2023 brought its share of unpredictable weather. Even so, the conditions were less severe than those of 2024, giving the vines the chance to flourish and fully express their potential.
Blessed by a brilliant late summer, Chardonnay, Aligoté, and Sauvignon achieved full ripeness while retaining enough freshness to uphold the reputation of Bourgogne’s white wines.
Pinot Noir once again demonstrated its status as the king of grape varieties. Careful sorting, often rigorous, ensured only the best of an extraordinary year made it to the winery.
The white wines of 2023 shine with exceptional aromatic intensity and irresistible charm. Crafted for pure enjoyment, they are perfectly suited to grace the finest tables.
The red wines are defined by their remarkable purity. They offer layered aromas, a vibrant and refreshing palate, and seamlessly integrated tannins. These wines are both approachable and elegant, ready to be savored now, while also promising aging potential of 2 to 5 years, depending on the appellation.
The Wine Paris trade show returns to the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles from February 10 to 12, 2025. This event brings together key players in the wine industry, offering a comprehensive view of the latest trends and innovations.
For this new edition, the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) makes its grand return, inviting you to its booth for an unparalleled immersion into the world of Bourgogne wines. Four tasting themes will be featured, alongside educational activities and opportunities to interact with vineyard experts.
You’ll also find Bourgogne exhibitors at the Bourgogne Pavilion and can take advantage of the self-guided tasting area in Hall 7.3—a unique opportunity to explore the richness of Bourgogne wines while expanding your professional network.
Don’t miss this experience in the heart of the capital!
In Beaune, the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne is offering a winter program that blends wine discovery, family activities, and innovative educational experiences. This emblematic venue provides visitors with a complete immersion into the world of Bourgogne wines, amidst a UNESCO-listed world heritage site.
Tasting Workshops: Discover food and wine pairings, explore grape varieties and appellations, or learn to appreciate Crémant de Bourgogne through experiences tailored to all levels.
Guided Tours: Dive into the history of Bourgogne’s Climats.
Seasonal Events:
- Concert-tastings, Christmas-themed performances, and a family-friendly tree hunt.
- 2024 Highlights: Orientation tables at the belvedere, offering stunning panoramic views of the vineyards from a height of 21 meters.
Children’s Activities: Craft Christmas wreaths, participate in archaeological workshops, and enjoy playful explorations of Bourgogne’s heritage.
The Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne combines educational and entertaining approaches, making it an ideal subject for articles, broadcasts, or reports focused on tourism, culture, and oenology.
Economic news: In a tense global context, Bourgogne continues to make progress
The 2023 vintage (1.9 million hectoliters, Bourgogne's largest harvest) has permitted a significant replenishment of stocks. This is reassuring ahead of the 2024 vintage, which produced lower volumes (estimated at 1.135 million hectoliters).
Estate Sales Boosted by Grape Transactions
Following a strong 2022-2023 campaign driven by the outstanding 2022 vintage, estate sales in the 2023-2024 campaign maintained their positive momentum, increasing by 1.6% compared to the previous year. The urgency to rebuild stocks has diminished, reflecting a more balanced market dynamic.
Exports: Key AOCs Drive Recovery in 2024
After two subdued years following the exceptional 2021 results, Bourgogne’s export volumes have rebounded in the first seven months of 2024, rising by 4.6% in volume and 3.7% in revenue compared to the same period in 2023. For the first time in a decade, revenue surpassed €900 million in the first seven months, reaching nearly €926 million.
At the end of July, Sweden joined the ranks of the traditional “Big Five" export markets—United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Belgium—taking Belgium's place in this prestigious group.
The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) is focusing on certain emerging markets: Australia: Ranked 13th in value and volume. South Korea: 11th in value, 15th in volume. Brazil: 22nd in value, 23rd in volume. China: Ranked 7th in value and 8th in volume, China is standing out as a market where Bourgogne wines distinguish themselves from other French AOC wines.
Maison Albert Bichot renews its support for the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction…
…with the acquisition of 85.5 pièces (228 liters barrels) for a total of €4,409,000.
The bond between the Hospices de Beaune and the Maison Albert Bichot has been firmly established since 1876, when the company acquired its first barrel, and it has only grown stronger with each passing year.
Purchasing at the Hospices de Beaune is not only a tradition but also a commitment to the noble cause behind the auction—one that is especially meaningful to its present CEO, Albéric Bichot, who was born at the Hospices de Beaune.
For over 25 years, Albert Bichot has been a leading buyer, and this year was no exception, acquiring 85.5 barrels for a total of €4,409,000 (32% of the total sale value and 19% by volume).
Albéric Bichot commented: "We are very pleased for the hospital, and we are happy to have purchased Savigny, Beaune, as well as Echezeaux Grand Cru, and of course, the entire lot of Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, including 3.5 pièces this year."
For more details on the Albert Bichot company and the wine auction, please refer to the press room.
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News from the vineyard
New: Premier Cru wines for Two Mâconnais Village AOCs
4 Climats from Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles are granted Premier Cru status starting with the 2024 vintage. A well-deserved recognition for these gems of the Mâconnais!
A new chapter is being written for Bourgogne wines: the Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles appellations have officially been granted Premier Cru status, effective from the 2024 harvest.
This achievement, the result of 18 years of collaboration with the INAO, is based on terroir studies and sustainable practices, with strict and unprecedented specifications, including the ban on herbicides and mandatory manual harvesting. Yields are limited to 58 hl/ha, and the wine must be matured at least until July 1st of the year following the harvest. It can only be marketed from July 15th onward.
With a total of 32 hectares for Pouilly-Loché and 52 hectares for Pouilly-Vinzelles, these emblematic appellations of southern Bourgogne, exclusively planted with Chardonnay, now join their neighbor, Pouilly-Fuissé, which earned Premier Cru status in 2020.
The Climats involved are:
- In Pouilly-Loché: Les Mûres (7.09 ha)
- In Pouilly-Vinzelles: Les Longeays (7.50 ha), Les Pétaux (2.76 ha), and Les Quarts (12.45 ha)
This recognition once again highlights the excellence and diversity of the Bourgogne vineyard.
The Saint-Vincent Tournante de Bourgogne, a popular winegrowers' festival steeped in tradition, is a true celebration of conviviality and an opportunity to explore or rediscover a wine appellation and its terroir.
On January 25th and 26th, 2025, the 81st edition will be hosted by Ladoix-Serrigny.
Nestled in the north of the Côte de Beaune, at the foot of the Corton hill, the Ladoix appellation offers both red and white wines, including Village and VillagePremier Cru classifications across numerous Climats.
The program will show you the diversity of these wines, as well as conviviality and new experiences!
Saturday, January 25th
- 7:30 AM: Parade of the Mutual Aid Societies with all their patron saints, followed by the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (restricted access).
- 9:00 AM: Wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, a solemn moment honoring traditions.
- 10:30 AM: Saint-Vincent Tournante Mass at Saint-Marcel Church in Ladoix-Serrigny.
- 11:00 AM: Opening of the village’s tasting cellars, accompanied by the first festive activities.
- 12:00 PM: Official inductions by the Chevaliers du Tastevin in the courtyard of the Ferme du Clos de Rancy.
- 5:00 PM: Closure of the tasting cellars.
- 7:00 PM: Gala Dinner at the Palais des Congrès in Beaune (reservation required).
Sunday, January 26th
- 10:00 AM: Reopening of the tasting cellars for the final day of the event. Festivities continue in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, fostering interactions between winemakers and visitors.
- 5:00 PM: Closing of the cellars, marking the end of the Saint-Vincent Tournante festivities.
The Seven Collective Cuvées of Saint-Vincent 2025
Among the ten cuvées showcased during the weekend, seven were crafted collectively by the winegrowers of Ladoix:
Bourgogne Blanc 2023
Ladoix 2023 (white)
Ladoix 2022 (white)
Ladoix Premier Cru 2022 (white)
Ladoix 2023 (red)
Ladoix 2022 (red)
Ladoix Premier Cru 2022 (red)
The Gala Dinner is available by reservation only at a price of €295 per person. Tasting kits and other reservations can be purchased through the online store (in French only).
Notice to the Press: Credentials Required!
If you wish to cover the event and be at the heart of the action on the day, it is essential to notify the Communication Commission in advance. Please provide the full names of each participant for both days to obtain the necessary passes, granting access to the press parking area, shuttles, and the general Fan Zone.
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Chablis is getting ready to honor the patron saint of winemakers!
Join us on February 1st and 2nd in Fontenay-près-Chablis for the 54th edition of the Saint-Vincent Tournante of Chablis.
The Saint-Vincent Tournante of Chablis returns for its 54th edition on February 1st and 2nd in the charming village of Fontenay-près-Chablis.
Deeply rooted in viticultural traditions, this event celebrates Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers, while offering a unique opportunity to savor the exceptional wines of the area.
Highlights for Visitors:
Tasting Trail: A specially designed route to explore the diverse cuvées of Chablis.
Festive Activities: Including parades, musical performances, and exhibitions showcasing local history and craftsmanship.
Welcoming Atmosphere: A convivial and authentic setting where wine enthusiasts and professionals gather to celebrate the wines of Chablis.
The 8th Tastevinage “Majors” Ceremony, November 14
17 Bourgogne Wines Honored Out of 957 Tasted
The Tastevinage “Majors” exemplify the finest expressions of Bourgogne’s terroir. Following a meticulous tasting process, each wine is awarded the prestigious excellence label, accompanied by Tracvin®—a system that guarantees the authenticity of certified wines on the market. Explore the Tastevinage winners
2024 Young Talent Awards: A New Generation of Winemakers Honored
On November 15, the GJPV celebrated 7 young winegrowers at the 36th Young Talent Awards. Open to winemakers under 40 or established for less than 5 years, this event highlights the dynamism and innovation of Bourgogne’s next generation. Discover the GJPV winners
The Grand Auxerrois Wine Competition: 48 Medals Celebrate the Area's Diversity
On November 23, there were 230 wines from the district's appellations tasted during the Grand Auxerrois Wine Competition: 48 were awarded medals.
The event also featured two inductions by the Confrérie des Trois Ceps, followed by a lunch showcasing the awarded wines and honoring the edition's special guests—winegrowers from the IGP Yonne. Discover the winners (in French only)
Bourgogne vs. Burgundy: to re-affirm their identity, the region and the producers are reverting back to the original French iteration of the name, Bourgogne.
EN DIRECT 9 issues per year, published by
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TRANSLATOR: SARAH JACKSON
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