2011 Burgundy

It appears that 2011 in Burgundy has been above average as to temperature.   Based on our discussions with the various winemakers this could be good.  One thing for sure is that the harvest will be earlier than usual.  Maybe late August vs. September.

We asked the winemakers if the early heat indicates a good vintage.  They all say you never know that every day impacts the entire vintage.  One maker related a story that in 2008 they were going to plow the fields under and the weather turned and the vintage worked out.  Pretty crazy business they are in here in France.  Unlike the US, in France they cannot add things to mother nature.  In other words, no watering, no fake sun, etc.  You live with what God gives you.

The entire experience here has been interesting.  We have found that Burgundy is 70% White and 30% Red.  There are 5 sub regions in Burgundy - Chablis, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote Challonaise and Maconnais.  Within these subregions there are Grand Cru's (the best), Premier Cru, Regional and Village Wines. All in all a very interesting breakdown that I am sure will take years to understand.  Of interest is that there are over 4000 wine growing Domaines in Burgundy, which is a crazy number.   Most never make it to the US.

A view of Cote de Nuits