Storm in the Côte de Beaune: catastrophic consequences
Storms, rain, hail... The consequences for the vineyards in the Côte de Beaune
A violent storm struck the Côte de Beaune vineyards on Tuesday, July 23rd. Heavy rains accompanied by hailstones as large as ping-pong balls battered the Pommard, Volnay, Beaune, and Savigny-les-Beaune appellations, leaving vines devastated and many producers experiencing harvests reduced by up to 90%.
The preliminary assessment of losses is catastrophic. The Burgundy wine trade association reports losses of 30 to 70% in Volnay, 10 to 90% in Beaune (90% for the Clos des Mouches), 5 to 40% in Meursault, 20 to 50% in Monthelie, 30 to 50% in Aloxe-Corton, and 50 to 90% in Pommard.
Burgundy winegrowers fear the spread
Another consequence of the heavy rains is the arrival of diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, which can spread rapidly through the vineyards if left untreated. Winegrowers have a great deal of work to do in the vineyards to prevent these diseases from taking hold. Associations are mobilizing to ensure that treatments by helicopter can be implemented quickly, as access to the vineyards has become impossible due to the flooding. However, this still depends on the authorities giving their approval promptly.
Sad news for Burgundy winegrowers who had already been affected in 2012 by numerous storm episodes significantly reducing the vintage's production.
The harvest in the appellations Pommard And Volnay Production will be extremely limited and the wines will be rare. Now we just have to hope that the quality will be there.