The BIVB reports that the grapes are at optimum maturity and in excellent health. It says winemakers are talking about an extremely good year.
The only shadow over proceedings is the hail that hit the north of the region on September 1, causing local damage. In Chablis 5% of the region was hit by hail (200-300 hectares out of 5,400 hectares). A few plots of Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru have suffered partial damage. Irancy: 100% of the appellation was hit, but damage is patchy. Losses range from 5-60%, depending on the plot. Saint-Bris: Just 40 hectares in the southern part of the appellation were hit, with losses of 20-50%.
Those vines that were hit by hail could be picked immediately as the grapes were ripe. A return to cooler, dryer weather also helps prevent any deterioration in the health of the grapes or the quality of the fruit.
The BIVB reports: “After early flowering and a very hot and dry summer, with episodes of welcome rainfall in August, the harvest began at the end of August in the southern part of the Bourgogne winegrowing region. Winegrowers are very happy with the condition of the fruit that has already been picked or is waiting its turn to be brought in.
“The fine weather held any threat of disease at bay, allowing each winemaker to choose a harvest date when their grapes reach optimum maturity.
“Even though the lack of rain this year has had some consequences in terms of yields, the Bourgogne winegrowing region has really enjoyed an outstanding season.
