In 2016 every grape counts in Burgundy
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Spring 2016 in the Bourgogne winegrowing was anything but settled. However, thanks to a radiant summer and an equally glorious September, it’s not all doom and gloom as the harvest season is now in full swing. They will be a challenge though, due to variations in the fruit.
In 2016, the vines required a great deal of care and attention. Various hiccups in the weather (frost, hail) left their mark on the vines. The vines in those plots hardest hit will provide very few or even no grapes at all. A few went on to bud again, producing fruit-bearing canes. On some, the healthy grapes are really enjoying the good conditions. In some areas, it may be necessary to harvest in several goes. In general, the vines that escaped the bad weather have produced generous bunches.
The first grapes to be picked – those used for Crémant de Bourgogne wines – were brought into the winery on around 10 September in the southern Mâconnais. For still wines, picking is set to begin between 19 and 27 September, depending on the sector and the varietal.
The harvests will no doubt take place over a longer period than normal. Patience and close attention will be the order of the day for this vintage that will be unlike any other.
