Bourgogne 2023 vintage ‘surpasses all expectations’

The board notes 2023’s harvest gives the region two consecutive years with above-average volumes – which has not happened for some time – and has resulted in ‘expressive, fruity wines with beautiful aromatic profiles, for both white and red’.

Despite unstable weather conditions over the summer, the end result is ‘stunning’, says the Board.

The Chardonnay, Aligoté and Sauvignon grapes reached full maturity in perfect condition, while retaining enough freshness to live up to the reputation of Bourgogne white wines.

Pinot Noir performed well as well.

The Bourgogne Wine Board says that the 2023 vintage proves that the region is well-suited to adapting to capricious weather conditions: having dealt with a milder winter than usual, an unstable summer with temperature peaks of up to 36°C and with high humidity (often conducive to disease) and a hot autumn.

Chardonnay and Aligoté grapes had a good harvest, while winemakers had to devote more attention to the Pinot Noir grapes, which are more sensitive to heat.

'Great year' for white wine

Ripe, healthy, well-balanced grapes have produced wines that ‘stand out for their richness and wonderful opulence, without excess’, reports the board.

“The wines are aromatic, evoking gorgeous ripe white fruits such as pear and peach. Despite the very hot weather at the start of the harvest, beautiful balances have been maintained.”

Deep reds

The red wines are ‘expressive and open up quickly… [with] delicious flavors, in some cases reminiscent of fresh red fruits, such as raspberries, or with aromas of dark fruits, such as blackberries, and even spices for some wine profiles’.

“On the palate, they have a lovely density, with a silky tannic structure,” reports the board. “During vinification, conditions were just right for good color extraction. The deep, intense colors of the wine are superb.”

Crémant de Bourgogne

The appellation Cremant de Bourgogne is restricted to effervescent wines made from still wines (called vins de base) by a set traditional method.

This year, the wines are 'fruity, balanced and elegant'.

"The Chardonnay has an aromatic profile featuring citrus and floral notes, or even exotic fruit," reports the Board. "The Pinot Noir hints at red berries such as raspberry and cherry. The Aligoté maintains its vivacity with lemony notes. Finally, the expressive Gamay has flavors reminiscent of strawberry.