Burgundy | 2017 vintage
After a series of somewhat insufficient vintages, whether due to an overly sunny year like 2015 or a frosty one like 2016, Burgundian winemakers could breathe easier in 2017. The first reason for a winemaker to smile, whatever region they work in, is to have produced a yield of the right size. This year unfolded without any major incidents and with a largely worry-free harvesting period, after a summer that was sunny without concerns of water stress (like in 2015). The harvest turned out to be very healthy with almost all areas producing deep levels of maturity.
At the same time, a distinction needs to be made between the Chardonnays and Pinots. This vintage is clearly one of good quality for Burgundian white wines, particularly those from geographical extremes such as Chablis and Mâconnais (where the wines are clearly superior to those of 2015 and 2016), even if these two regions experienced some damaging frost at the start of the season. Meursault equally produced some beautiful wines. However, the Pinot Noir won’t be at the same standard for the reds. The yields were plentiful and it seems that some of the wines could be relatively diluted. This phenomenon is more marked in Côte de Nuits. For the best, which will not suffer from dilution, their wines will be more tender than those of 2016, so they should be enjoyed before this latter vintage. On the other hand, Côte Chalonnaise saw great success with its reds, particularly in Givry and Rully, but the whites are equally successful. It’s clear that this region is increasingly a priority for well-informed wine lovers…
