Pressroom

Vintages

The 2013 vintage - Prodigious Bourgogne

10/03/2014

Long-awaited, scarce, difficult… There were a lot of adjectives floating around to describe the 2013 vintage. And now, it is with some relief that Bourgogne wine producers can see their efforts to produce this quality vintage weren’t in vain. Although 2013 was not the highest yielding of vintages, you can be sure there are some very fine wines out there waiting for you!

The 2013 vintage was marked by a tricky spring, and characterized by production volumes around 20% lower than the average. The main reason for this was the rain and cold weather experienced during flowering.
Despite a hot summer ideal for good maturity, the harvests didn’t start until the end of September and the last grapes picked mid-October. Harvesting in 2013 began later in the year than it has for a quarter of a century, but when one looks at start dates going back over history, it is not that unusual.

WHITE WINES

Chablis and Auxerrois

Fruity and indulgent with good minerality, these whites are delicate and moreish with good keeping potential for the Premiers and Grands Crus.

Côte de Beaune

Part of the Côte de Beaune was hit by violent hailstorms on 23 July, and some vineyards saw almost all their fruit destroyed.
Yields were low, but the quality is undeniable, with rich and intense aromas of citrus, apple and dried fruit, and wines that are lively and opulent on the tongue with magnificent balance and remarkable length.
This is a vintage that will definitely make an impression.

Côte Chalonnaise

Acidity and maturity combine for wines that are both broad yet structured. Intense nutty notes and hints of lemon and green apple foretell astonishing richness and diversity.

Mâconnais

Low yields and optimum maturity for wines that are particularly aromatic and structured. The nose, which is marked by pleasant notes of white-fleshed fruits, apricot and citrus, is an excellent example of its type. In the mouth, they are remarkably lively and tense.

RED WINES

Auxerrois

Although volumes were down significantly compared to averages, the quality of the wines produced was excellent.
Dominated by intense aromas of red berries mingling with floral scents, the wines are wonderfully supple on the tongue. Their soft tannins and indulgent finish make them ideal wines for drinking in the near future.

Côte de Nuits

Thanks to the late harvest, the grapes were picked at peak maturity.
With their intense ruby color and nose with floral, fruity and spicy notes, these wines are particularly seductive. In the mouth, they are rounded and lively before giving way to sophisticated yet sustained tannins that become firmer towards the finish.
After a few years of ageing, these wines will delight even the most demanding connoisseurs.

Côte de Beaune

In 2013, the Côte de Beaune yielded one of the lowest volumes for the past two decades. This was also one of the latest ever harvests for the area. The wines have a charming nose, evoking red berries, stone fruits and light tobacco. They are ample and delicate, with a sophisticated tannic framework, yet keep their pleasing vivacity.

Côte Chalonnaise

These wines are looking wonderful. They are fruity and expressive on the nose, perfectly balanced in the mouth, and offer consistency and a good structure with smooth and silky tannins.
Although very pleasant in their youth, they will be at their peak in a few years’ time.

This press release only offers a general snapshot.
Because each wine and each winemaker is unique, wines need to be tasted individually before bein characterized