Update: Burgundy 2013

Burgundy producers can’t seem to catch a break.

For the second year running, the region has been plagued by hailstorms which have greatly affected production levels. North of the Côte de Beaune experienced the worst of the weather throughout the summer months – the villages Pommard and Volnay are virtually wiped out. While Côte de Beaune producers were fending off hail the size of ping pong balls, those in the Côte de Nuits were busy meticulously sorting, as so many berries were affected by millenderage (uneven ripening and growth of berries). 2013 Harvest is anticipated to be 20% lower than the ten year average.

All of this bad news follows that of the 2012 vintage which was an incredible struggle for producers as well. Downy and powdery mildew were rampant among the vines through the spring, joined by hail in June. Producers had to delay harvest towards the last days of September to ensure that all berries were ripe.

This naturally leads to concerns on pricing of the 2013 vintage, as it did with the 2012 (Read our 2012 Vintage Market Report) . With smaller quantities of wines produced even than the 2012, producers will have to reinforce the shortage of wine with high prices. There is, however, a risk that they will price themselves out of the market. Our full 2013 Burgundy Market Report will be published in December of this year, following visits to the region.