WineTime France News

So what will the 2013 vintage be like? It is probably a little early to say as yet. The estates are hurrying to get their grapes into the cuveries to start the alcoholic fermentation. Some are saying that there’s a low yield (again!) and other that the grapes are not ripe enough after a poor start to the spring. Having spoken to a number of winemakers I have gathered the following information: the grapes in the Pinot dominated “Cotes de Nuit” are very ripe, a good size with plenty of sugar-filled juice. Gevry Chambertin, Chambolle Musigny and Morey Saint Denis are all boasting good yields and ripe grapes. Jean Trapet of Jean-Louis Trapet estate thinks we are in for a very good vintage as grapes from his plots are being brought in. (See picture).
However it’s early days and you never know what Mother Nature will decide in the coming days. (Storms are predicted).
Let’s just commiserate with the “Côtes de Beaune” district and the terrible hailstorm that destroyed 90% of the yield in villages such as Pommard, Beaune and Savigny les Beaune. They certainly won’t be celebrating 2013.