2023 Burgundy Insights: A Year of Surprising Flavors

If you're curious about the 2023 Burgundy vintage, let me share some exciting notes! It's full of unexpected flavors that you'll love exploring.

An Unpredictable Year in Burgundy

2023 proved to be a yo-yo year for Burgundy’s vineyards, characterized by an astonishing variety in weather patterns. Winemaker Géraldine Godot from Domaine de l’Arlot noted that despite the fluctuations—warm, cold, hot, and wet—there was potential for a large harvest. While concerns lingered about achieving optimal ripeness due to the colder spells in August, the heat that followed ultimately contributed to good fruit quality. Harvesting began on September 6th, with yields nearly doubling compared to previous years. This combination of quantity and quality is what makes the 2023 vintage stand out.

Géraldine’s meticulous vineyard management techniques ensured the balance between volume and excellence. For example, careful debudding practices were employed to maintain vineyard health, leading to an impressive yield of 40–43 hl/ha compared to the usual 20–25 hl/ha. This indicates not just abundance but also a commitment to quality winemaking.

The Challenges of Volume in Winemaking

With such a generous crop came logistical challenges within the winery itself. The sheer volume required additional tanks as they transitioned into vinification. The whites were fermented in barrels due to tank limitations for reds, illustrating the intricate balance needed in winemaking during this vintage. Such adjustments showcase how flexibility is essential when working with nature’s whims.

Interestingly, Godot revealed her preference for wines with lower phenolic content for whites. To achieve this clarity and texture, she employs bentonite during pressing and cools juice to enhance sedimentation—demonstrating her commitment to precision throughout the process.

Reds That Dance Between Tradition and Modernity

The red wines from this vintage exhibit a character that hearkens back to classic Burgundy while still embracing modern techniques. Every step is executed with care; all fruit is destemmed—a method Godot adopted starting from 2021—to preserve freshness and enhance flavor complexity. The result? A collection of reds that are not overly concentrated but beautifully balanced with fresh acidity—a hallmark of great Burgundies.

Despite warmer summers becoming more common due to climate change, Godot emphasizes retaining the freshness in her wines. The pH levels were notably high this year (over 3.7), necessitating acidification for balance without compromising authenticity—a challenge many winemakers face today.

Tasting Highlights: What’s on Offer?

Amongst the highlights from Domaine de l’Arlot are some exceptional whites:

• Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Le Mont: With light apricot notes complemented by peachy richness, this wine exhibits a crisp finish.
• Nuits-St-Georges Premier Cru Clos de l’Arlot Blanc: Offers delicate nutty aromas evolving into structured yet smooth flavors.
• Nuits-St-Georges Premier Cru Cuvée Mont des Oiseaux: Features delightful smoky reduction paired with vibrant red cherry aromas.

The reds are equally enchanting:

• Nuits-St-Georges Premier Cru Clos des Forêts St-Georges: Exhibits earthy tones alongside wild forest fruit characteristics—a powerful wine with strong structure.
• Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Suchots: A sumptuous blend of ripe summer fruits that delivers an ice-cream texture on the palate.

FAQ About 2023 Burgundy Vintage

What makes 2023 unique compared to past vintages?

The variability in weather patterns created diverse conditions that led to both high yields and quality wines distinct from previous years like 2020 or 2018.

How does climate change impact Burgundy winemaking?

Winemakers like Géraldine Godot adapt their processes continuously as warmer conditions shift traditional practices toward achieving balance between ripeness and acidity in their wines.

What should I expect when tasting these wines?

You can expect fresher profiles with less concentration than recent vintages while still showcasing the distinctive character typical of Burgundian terroir.

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