From 22 to 26 April, took place the 2023 Week of Primeurs of Bordeaux, a busy annual event when the region presents the wines of the previous year and when thousands of wine professionals evaluate their quality and potential.
How can we characterize 2023 in Bordeaux? The red wines were distinguished by a classic profile, ripe but lively and acidic fruitiness, dry whites – an excellent balance between juiciness, a round body and crisp acidity, and sweet whites – amazing depth, richness and harmony with a great freshness.
Weather conditions in 2023 in Bordeaux
Winter 2022-2023 was distinguished by temperatures close to normal, with cool and dry weather from mid-January. March turned out to be rather cloudy. These conditions ensured a uniform and not early start to the vegetative cycle. Thus, the budburst on vines occured after the frosts, which allowed (almost) to avoid crop losses.
The temperature in spring, despite the average value slightly above normal, was inconsistent: very warm periods were alternated by cooler ones, and as a result, the vines had different developpement, depending on the site. In addition, humidity and coolness, followed by heat, are favorable conditions for the appearance of mildew, which attacked the vineyard and forced winemakers to resort to frequent treatment. More regular temperatures in May allowed to moderate the growth of the vines.
Flowering in late May-early June was fast and uniform, in dry and favorable conditions, without problems.
Summer 2023 was characterized by chaotic and irregular episodes of rains, due to which the ripening of the berries was delayed. Almost all month of June was quite hot (with temperatures above 25 degrees), but at the same time generous in precipitation (in total, there were rains and thunderstorms for 8 days). July was also warm, but not hot, with little precipitation and a lack of sun, which also slowed down the ripening of the grapes. Abundant precipitations led to the absence of water stress, continued growth of the vines and an increase in the size of the berries. In such conditions, the vintage was not precoceous (like the previous ones), and not even “standard” in terms of ripening and the vegetative cycle. But from mid-August, the situation changes. Precipitation almost stops, and daytime temperatures rise to unusual for the end of summer levels. As a result, ripening is completed effectively and in favorable conditions. But uneven rainfall and different soil characteristics (more or less able to absorb and retain moisture, which the vines can access in case of drought) led to different reactions of the vines to these conditions and uneven ripening. Merlot on clay and clay-calcareous soils, as well as Cabernet, more resistant to drought, better endured the hot end of summer, unlike, for example, Merlot on soils with good drainage.
September also brought a warm and favorable Indian summer for completing ripening and for obtaining healthy grapes.
First look at the wines of the 2023 vintage
Despite the hot and dry end of the vegetative cycle, the white wines are successful and balanced, precisely due to the rainy and cool beginning of the cycle. Late water stress and lack of sun in July allowed the white grape varieties to maintain a high level of acidity and acquire fresh aromas. The hot end of the cycle did not affect the overall balance of aromatic components, but allowed the harvest to maintain a favorable sanitary condition. Unlike 2022, in 2023, white grapes had less sugar and higher acidity, thanks to frequent rainfall, fresh temperatures and moderate amounts of sun.
For sweet wines, 2023 provided exceptional conditions. The point mntioned above, ensured the optimal development of noble mold, and the hot and sunny September – the concentration of unique aromas, acidity and sugar in the grapes.
