By Michelle Perrett, HARPERS UK
The Chablis harvest of 2018 is the best in 20 years, Louis Moreau, president of the Chablis Commission has announced.
He said this year the strong vineyard condition, grape maturity and overall juice quality had meant this was the best harvest since 1998.
He admitted there had been some uncertainty after the drought this summer and two difficult previous years but the warm weather had meant the vines have produced both a “qualitative” and “quantity” of grapes.
“2018 will be a full round fruit oriented vintage with a hint of minerality. So a more forward vintage compare to leaner, terroir oriented vintages like 2017, 2015 & 2014,” he told Harpers.
He also said that the strong harvest should not have a major impact on pricing.
“It will only bring the bulk prices back down to a more reasonable level,” he predicted.
He said producers have made numerous efforts with vineyards, environment and vinification to improve the overall quality the wine.
“There is no reason to bring it (pricing) back down because there is a normal quality crop,” he said.
The Chablis Commission of the Bourgogne wine Board manages the worldwide promotion of the wines of Chablis.
Chablis’ vineyards have 5592 hectares spread-out in 300 estates. These are divided into four appellations of Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru.
Around 40 million bottles of Chablis are produced each year.