The vines’ growth cycle started early again this year, and the pace was maintained throughout the season. The vines were spared any spring frost, but Chablis was once again hit by hail which affected three villages. Fortunately, this gave way to spring weather that was ideal for vine growth.

The summer was hot and September finally alleviated any doubts. Said Louis Moreau, President of the Chablis arm of the BIVB, “It was one of the best vintages for the past 20 years. The vines were very kind to us after two tricky years. The weather and the perfect health of the grapes meant we could work at a relaxed pace, choosing where to harvest and when with nothing to worry about other than the ripeness of the fruit.

“In mid-August and mid-drought, we could not have imagined such an outcome, but in the end, the juice was clear and consistent, with no bitterness or grassy notes. It had body and fruit, and the fermentation went without a hitch. It was a gift of a vintage, putting a smile back on everyone’s face,” Moreau concludes.