2019: One of the smallest harvests in two decades in Burgundy

This Sunday, November 17, ahead of the Hospices de Beaune auction, the Burgundy Wine Council released some details about the 2019 harvest. Described as one of the smallest in terms of volume, it is estimated at 1.2 million hectoliters. Nevertheless, while the quantity is lower than in previous years, the quality is expected to be outstanding. The reason for this smaller harvest? The poor weather conditions of 2019. Indeed, in the Burgundy region, the weather was hardly favorable for the grapes, with a mild winter, frost in the spring, limited flowering in June due to rather cool temperatures, and heat waves this summer that led to drought. In short, a “unique and extremely contrasting year,” according to the president of the interprofessional association, François Labet.

A small quantity but exceptional quality for the 2019 vintage

For Burgundy wine professionals, an average year yields around 1.4 million hectoliters. With 1.2 million hectoliters, 2019 fell short of that figure, representing a 34% drop compared to 2018. The Mâconnais and Crémants regions were the hardest hit. Thus, this vintage “promises to be worthy of the ‘9’ years,” according to François Labet. However, despite the drop in volume, “morale remains high” because the grapes stand out for their quality. Their health was excellent at harvest, meaning they possess “perfect sugar-acid balances.” This is why the Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) predicts “a great year” in its press release.

A healthy market despite some concerns

In his remarks prior to the Hospices de Beaune auction, the president of the BIVB noted that the current vintage, which is currently being vinified, “presents some uncertainty regarding volumes.” Fortunately, previous vintages have helped replenish stocks. Therefore, the situation will not be similar to that of the 2016 vintage, which was the lowest in the history of the Burgundy winesSimilarly, the wine market has posted positive figures for these vintages, particularly in exports, with a 6.9% increase in volume during the first eight months of the year—amounting to 56 million bottles—and a 9.3% increase in value (650 million euros). This increase is driven by the United States, the leading buyer of Burgundy wines. However, new customs duty measures that took effect in late October are causing concern among industry professionals, who fear a decline in sales. They also have short- and medium-term concerns about exports to the UK due to Brexit. In the meantime, it’s time to focus on winemaking!