The 2020 vintage so far

In these COVID-19 times, amid lockdown, it’s important to get some feet-on-the-ground views from Burgundy.

My first guestwriter is Mark Thomson, who was previously a part-owner of a domaine and is now enjoying working freelance after 27 years in Burgundy.

Here is Mark’s view of 2020 so far:

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Burgundy, May 2020, by Mark Thompson

Strange times in Burgundy, with the lockdown/confinement/isolation, or whatever is your preferred  word.

The vines continue to grow and the vignerons and workers fill out their daily permit in order to work, but they are NOT talking about it. Most arrive in their own cars and respect the one-metre separation – by a stroke of luck the spacing between vineyard rows. 

This year, after a wet February, we’ve had two months without rain and elevated temperatures. Now the weather is more unsettled. The first spray against powdery mildew is done. It looks as if a 2007-type season is on the cards. 

There are good flower clusters, and the first chardonnay will be in flower in the next week. Growers will be working overtime as restrictions on herbicides and fungicides come into force. 

At this stage. if everything stays on a “normal” growing-season path, expect a harvest date from the third week of August, depending on the domaine and whether if seeks acidity or phenolic ripeness.

Although some sectors of the Côte d’Or used anti-frost candles and fans in early April, the risk this year is past. Hail is, as always another question.

All domaines, as you well know, are suffering, but they ARE talking about that. That is how it works here.

Mark Thompson, Burgundy grower