The 2020 vintage in Burgundy was truly remarkable. It was an early harvest, one of the earliest on record, which brought its own set of challenges and rewards. As a Burgundy Buyer, I had the privilege of witnessing the entire season unfold, from the vineyard to the cellar, and I must say that the results were exceptional.
One of the standout features of the 2020 vintage was the intensity and succulence of the red wines. The warm and dry weather during the growing season allowed the grapes to fully ripen, resulting in wines with deep, rich flavors and velvety textures. The reds from this vintage are bold and powerful, with pronounced fruit flavors and well-integrated tannins. They have a wonderful freshness and vitality that make them incredibly enjoyable to drink.
But it wasn't just the reds that shone in 2020. The white wines of Burgundy also impressed with their classic style and elegance. The cool nights and warm days of the growing season helped to preserve the acidity in the grapes, resulting in wines with a beautiful balance between freshness and richness. The whites are vibrant and expressive, with complex aromas of citrus, stone fruits, and floral notes. They have a wonderful purity and precision that is truly delightful.
The 2020 vintage was not without its challenges, however. The early harvest meant that winemakers had to be prepared and ready to pick the grapes at a moment's notice. This required careful planning and coordination to ensure that the grapes were harvested at the optimal level of ripeness. Additionally, the warm and dry weather also meant that the grapes had a higher sugar concentration, which could potentially result in higher alcohol levels in the wines. It was crucial for winemakers to carefully manage the fermentation process to achieve the desired balance.
In terms of quantity, the 2020 vintage was not as abundant as some previous years. The dry weather and early harvest meant that yields were slightly lower than average. However, the quality more than made up for the smaller quantity. The wines of 2020 are truly exceptional, with a level of concentration and complexity that is hard to beat.
As a Burgundy Buyer, I had the opportunity to taste a wide range of wines from the 2020 vintage, and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed. The wines are a true reflection of their terroir, expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard and appellation. They have a sense of place and a depth of flavor that is truly captivating.
The 2020 vintage in Burgundy was a resounding success. The wines are intense, succulent, and full of character. Whether you prefer red or white, there is something for everyone in this vintage. It is a testament to the skill and dedication of the winemakers, who were able to navigate the challenges of an early harvest and produce wines of such exceptional quality. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend experiencing the wines of the 2020 vintage for yourself.