Read iDealwine’s vintage ratings and notes on the 2023 vintage from France’s regions.
Alsace
Beaujolais
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Champagne
Languedoc
Jura and Savoie
Provence and Corsica
Roussillon
The Loire Valley
The Rhône Valley
South-West
Alsace
Dry white: 16/20
Sweet white: 16/20
Red: 17/20
The winter months in Alsace were dry and mild, with a notable lack of rainfall. However, March brought a freshness in the air along with plenty of rain, allowing the groundwater to be replenished. These conditions pushed back the start of the plant cycle by around ten days compared to previous years. The buds only burst at the beginning of April, so the vines largely avoided the unwelcome consequences of frost.
As the seasons changed, weather conditions made quite the turn, with heat hitting as early as May and intensifying in June. Unsurprisingly, this caused an acceleration effect for the vines, with flowering occurring quickly and in good conditions. Alsace’s Pinot grapes, especially the Pinot Gris, impressed across the board with high yields, whilst the region’s Riesling harvest suffered from the heat; ‘coulure’ affected many of the plants during flowering, reducing their yields.
Dry and hot conditions continued into mid-July, with the first signs of drought appearing in the more porous soils. Once again, though, conditions shifted drastically. Temperatures dropped for a time, as did the amount of sunlight, causing Alsace’s winemakers to be more vigilant about the risk of disease, especially mildew. This less-than-summery ambiance stuck around until the end of August, when a heatwave returned to the region. A sign for the harvests to begin, the first strike of the secateur fell on the 23rd August for the Crémant grapes, then the 4th September for the still wines. The cool September nights made for good end-of-ripening conditions, especially for the Riesling grapes.
Unlike what had transpired for the 2022 vintage, things ran smoothly in Alsace’s vinification cellars in 2023. On the whole, alcohol levels are measured and we’ve seen good balance across different wines, mainly thanks to satisfactory levels of acidity. The Crémant cuvées are largely a success, and the still wines have turned out particularly attractive, showcasing profiles of precise fruit and intense aromatics. The Rieslings have an interesting tension and even a saline quality. As for the region’s Pinot Gris wines, we find an ample body balanced out by a welcome freshness. The 2023 Sylvaner and Muscat wines are generally fresh and aromatic. The Pinot Noirs are very flattering with some beautiful colours, a concentrated profile, and expressive fruit. Finally, the ‘vendanges tardives’ harvests were more productive than in 2022, unlike the region’s rarer ‘sélection de grains nobles’wines.
See Alsace’s wines from the 2023 vintage
Beaujolais
Red: 16/20
The year 2023 got off to a relatively calm start in Beaujolais, where weather conditions were in line with the average seen over previous decades, both in terms of temperature and humidity. The beginning of the plant cycle in the first days of April was accompanied by a rather mild and rainy period until mid-May, at which point the region experienced a dryer spell. This continued until early June, along with a warmth that allowed for high-quality flowering. The vines then underwent a growth spurt thanks to notably high temperatures and a level of sunlight rarely seen in the region. Summer was a season of contrasts, though, between the heat of July and a relatively cool August, as well as hailstorms that would go on to impact final yields. Some of Beaujolais’ Crus were particularly affected by this, most notably Morgon, Chiroubles, Régnié, and Fleurie, much like certain Beaujolais Villages areas like Beaujeu and Lantignié.
The second half of August, however, brought a high heat that caused several of the region’s winemaking spots to suffer from drought, especially those cultivating young vines. It was in these conditions that harvests got underway, from 28th August for the Chardonnays and 1st September for the Gamay grapes. Cool nights had a central role to play, therefore, in the final pursuit of energetic fruit and enjoyable levels of acidity.
Overall, whilst the quantity of Beaujolais’ 2023 vintage is limited in some areas, the wines have come out with a very interesting profile. The aromatic range is reminiscent of classic vintages with Gamay cuvées that express precise notes of red fruit (especially raspberry and redcurrant) and a mouthfeel at once elegant, balanced, and pleasantly acidic. This is a shift from the region’s 2022 vintage, with this year’s wines emerging more flavourful and easy-drinking. Juice and bite come together with spicy and floral notes, showcasing a complex aromatic bouquet. From the region’s finest producers, we find acidic structure combined with a dense mouthfeel, profiles that promise excellent ageing potential. As for the white Beaujolais wines of 2023, these stand out for the intensity of their fruit.
Bordeaux
Red from the Left Bank: 15.5-16.5/20
Red from the Right Bank: 15-16/20
Dry white: 18.5-19/20
Sweet white: 18.5/20
Following the premature 2022 vintage, we might have expected things to return to normal for 2023 in Bordeaux. Whilst not quite as extreme, this vintage was also marked by an early start and complex weather conditions. The first months of the year brought quite a bit of rain and temperatures in line with previous decades. This prevented an excessively premature start to the plant cycle, so the vines avoided the risks that come with a frosty spell. However, conditions in Bordeaux took an almost tropical turn just weeks later. Later, in June, precipitation was 50% higher than usual, whilst temperatures exceeded average by almost three degrees. This was a climate bombshell for the region, as conditions allowed for mildew to run riot across the vineyards; Merlot vines were particularly affected. Winemakers had to go above and beyond to avoid losing too much of their harvest.
Afterwards, a dry July brought temperatures akin to those felt in June, although there was a noticeable lack of summer sunlight. This led to a lengthy onset of ripening that caused anxiety about how the ripening process might end. However, the gods were smiling on Bordeaux for the end of the 2023 vintage, as radiant conditions arrived mid-August, with very little rain and a hot spell lasting for around a month. This was optimal for the grapes to finish ripening, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon which suffered far less than the Merlot vines after an atypical season.
Harvests began on the 12th August for the first Sauternes Sauvignons, followed by the Sémillon vines on the 14th. Cooler moments in preceding weeks and the right amount of sunlight allowed the grapes to keep their superb aromatics and well-built acidity, setting the scene for fine wines that charm with their structure and complexity; these will have good ageing potential.
As for the black grapes, the first Merlot was harvested at the very beginning of September, then most Cabernet Sauvignon was collected from the 20th of the month, after a spell of heavy rain. The end of their ripening phase occurred under optimal conditions, producing some perfectly balanced profiles in the finest areas of the region. Lower in alcohol than former vintages and stable in acidity, Bordeaux’s 2023 reds have a strong build and consistent colour, even if results vary across the region depending on how the vineyards were treated throughout the season. Gravelly terroirs produced sturdy cuvées, whilst clay-rich soils made way for fuller wines. From clay-chalk vineyards the wines have a lovely mineral energy. Overall, Bordeaux’s 2023 vintage doesn’t have the power of the 2020 or 2022 bottles, but stands out more for its aromatic precision and balance.
Finally, after the difficulties faced in 2022 for the production of sweet wine, conditions were in Bordeaux’s favour this time around, as heavy rain from the 11th September encouraged the growth of botrytis cinerea. Add to this a hot, dry spell that lasted from late September until mid-October, and the grapes became impressively concentrated, with fears even of excessive strength. Harvests got underway relatively early, though, allowing the grapes to retain a dose of acidity crucial to keeping a level of tension in the wine, especially with such strong aromatics. These 2023 sweet wines are impressive and likely to stand the test of time.
Burgundy
Dry white: 17/20
Red: 16/20
Burgundy’s 2023 vintage played out like one, long tightrope performance, between premature warmth, cold snaps, and summer extremes. January brought the illusion of an early spring, as the first two weeks of the year were surprisingly warm, and following days continued to oscillate around average. We had to wait until the end of March, though, to see Burgundy’s vines start to stir, encouraged by a late warm spell. The Chardonnay grapes emerged first, with Pinot Noir following in early April. Budding took a while across the board, however, due to the incessant weather changes. Mid-budding, for example, was observed only between the 9th and 17th April, depending on the area and the grape variety.
A cool April rounded off on a more clement note that continued into the early days of May. In line with the constant shifts, things got chillier again until the 19th May, when temperatures soared well beyond average. The first flowers made an appearance around Pentecost weekend, bringing on a budding period that raced ahead. Many vineyards suffered from the effects of ‘coulure’, especially the Chardonnay grapes, due to recurring water shortages throughout the spring.
Summer brought its own share of contradictions to Burgundy, with often violent stormy spells hitting the region along with hail, a series of rarely-seen phenomena. Damage had to be dealt with on a local level, and the overall picture remained unstable, as unequal rainfall across the region struggled to counter a hydric deficit weighing since the start of the year. A brief heatwave struck in early July, and another – stronger – between the 10th and 25th August, along with tropical nights that reached 20°C. September started in a summery mood.
Veraison began timidly on the 11th July but took a few weeks to fully get going. The mid-ripening stage, reached between 9th and 12th August, coincided with a heatwave that slowed down coloration. However, the grapes became quickly concentrated in sugar and saw their malic acid levels drop significantly. Another change in conditions from 24th August slowed down this degradation, and a gradual return to warmer days at the start of September allowed the grapes to finish ripening nicely. Harvests for the Crémant wines got underway at the start of September, followed by the still wines across the rest of the month. The red grapes ripened earlier, but the vintage’s generous yields called for patience.
As for the general health of the vines, plant parasites stayed away, but winemakers had to be careful of mildew and oidium. Risks varied depending on rainfall and the level of protection applied by the estate, and overall these diseases have been kept at bay. The ‘flavescence dorée’ bacteria is largely contained in the Côte-d’Or, though it is spreading in the Saône-et-Loire region, similar to the Yonne. The storms of late August awoke a few hotspots of botrytis and acidic rot, especially on certain Pinot Noir vines, and there were instances of wilting due to high heat. Where necessary, strict sorting regimes in the winery helped to keep quality high.
In the end, a year of countless fluctuations led nonetheless to an abundant 2023 harvest, helped out by a generous summer season. This challenging vintage was far from restful, but the resulting wines have remarkable potential. The whites reached beautiful levels of ripeness, bringing complex, rich aromatics with a nice freshness. This profile, at once supple and flavourful, is reminiscent of the region’s 2018 Chardonnay. As for the reds, we find pleasant aromatics with expressive fruity and floral notes. Textures are dense and tannins silky, although these aren’t the most concentrated Burgundy wines. 2023 has established itself as a flavourful one for the region. Whilst ageing potential isn’t necessarily its strong point, there is plenty to be enjoyed in the shorter term.
Champagne
Blanc de Noirs: 16/20
Blanc de Blancs: 17-18/20
After a notably dry 2022, autumn arrived with a brief uptake in rainy days and hope for a decent refill of the region’s groundwater. But the 2022-2023 winter was largely dry, with the sole exception of mild, humid conditions in January. At this time the Côte des Bars had more rainfall than elsewhere in Champagne. Precipitation only began to make itself known in the spring, as March’s mild and wet conditions complicated the ploughing process. Budding was expected at the start of April, but this was pushed to the end of the month by several blasts of cold air. Despite these unpredictable conditions, frost damage was minimal, affecting 1.5% of the appellation. The heavy spring showers, although problematic, did help to counter the region’s hydric deficit.
The summer of 2023 was highly irregular in Champagne. After a warm and dry start to the season at the end of May, frequent rainfall made a comeback just weeks later, becoming excessive in certain areas. July and August saw shifts between cool humidity and hot spells, bringing fears of disease in the vineyards. Temperatures oscillated significantly, with a heatwave in June, persistent cooling until early August, then a relative cold snap at the end of August with very low lows.
Against all expectations, September began with the hottest days ever recorded for the month, making Champagne’s 2023 harvests the most scorching in the region’s history. Sunlight levels varied as much as other conditions. Whilst the summer was cloudy overall, sunny days were plenty in June and September, causing temperatures to sneak above average. At the same time, the region saw heavy rainfall, in some areas arguably too much.
Overall, Champagne’s 2023 vintage stood out for the weight of its grape bunches, at an average of 220g; this had never been seen before in the region, greatly surpassing the previous record in 2005. Yields were therefore more generous, and winemakers were able to undertake a thorough sorting process. Some pockets of unwanted botrytis had popped up, but these grapes were cut from the harvest. This was a particularly good year for the region’s Chardonnay, showcasing superb ripeness, complex aromatics, and wonderful balance. Whilst the Pinot Noirs didn’t succeed quite as exceptionally, they still ripened nicely thanks to good conditions at the end of the growing year. The resulting wines are flavourful, more so than the Meuniers that may be found wanting.
Languedoc
Dry white: 15.5-16/20
Red: 16.5-17/20
Languedoc’s 2023 vintage was one of contrasts. We find good quality on the whole, but quantities vary greatly depending on the vineyard, particularly in non-irrigated areas that suffered from excessive drought. The region struggled through a winter with little precipitation, a dry spring, and a summer hit by a late heatwave, all factors that contributed to low yields. In some areas, there was a drop of up to 40% in production on the vines.
Budding got underway slowly, hampered by cool temperatures and low water reserves, with only the irrigated vineyards having an easier time. From late May to mid-June low rainfall persisted, holding back the vines in their growing cycle.
It felt as though the summer would be less harsh than that of 2022, but the tables turned at the end of August with the arrival of a heavy heatwave. This hot spell accelerated ripening, increasing concentration in the grapes and pushing some to wilt completely; yields were thus lower than hoped. Harvesting had to begin early due to the dry, hot conditions.
Keeping this complicated context in mind, the white and rosé wines from Languedoc are highly aromatic but lacking somewhat in freshness. The 2023 vintage is straight-forward, easy-drinking, and accessible. As for the reds, we find some incredibly concentrated wines, perhaps excessively so if there was too much extraction in the winery. Quality is good, though, with some sunny profiles and dense tannic structure.
Cuvées from the Gard area are particularly attractive, especially for the reds. In the Pic-Saint-Loup appellation, the 2023 Syrah boasts a balanced profile and optimal ripeness, making it one of the finest Languedoc vintages of the past decade. Note also the 2023 wines from Faugères, as the reds have fantastic ageing potential and the whites are especially bright.
Jura and Savoie
Dry white: 17-18/20
Red: 17/20
After several difficult years for Jura winemakers due to complicated conditions, the region had a much calmer 2023, with very little frost or hail and satisfactory rainfall. Weather conditions encouraged optimal and largely homogenous ripening across the board, and vineyards remained in good health. From the Arbois area to Château-Chalon and Poligny, the quality is up there for this vintage in both red and white, with some wines turning out excellent. The Savagnin grapes grown mainly for the region’s ‘vin jaune’ showcase some beautiful qualities, promising great ageing potential. More generally, the white wines are of good stock, revealing lovely freshness and fine balance, although they may not be quite as dense as the 2022 vintage. The reds follow suit, with the Côtes du Jura cuvées boasting wonderful fruit. The Trousseau, Pinot Noir, and Poulsard grapes were also a success, presenting depth of texture and aromatic complexity. Jura’s 2023 Crémants are also notably successful.
As for the Savoie region, despite a capricious summer season, the 2023 vintage has turned out to be one of the region’s finest of recent years. The harvests were blessed with a generously sunny summer followed by welcome rainfall in September. Whilst certain vineyards suffered from poor weather throughout the year, most of Savoie’s estates managed to turn things around thanks to more favourable conditions towards the end of the growing season. Despite a late frosty spell, a few hailstorms, and a heatwave, winegrowers succeeded in harvesting at the right moment. Overall, the grapes were healthy, producing a Savoie 2023 vintage that was saved in the nick of time. The vines reached optimal ripeness, showcasing a nice balance of sugar to acidity, the foundation for structured and aromatic wines. This vintage reveals the character of the Savoie terroir nicely, with local varieties expressing their quintessential characteristics with intensity and finesse. These wines are elegant and balanced.
Provence and Corsica
Dry white: 15.5/20
Red: 14.5-15/20
In Corsica, the 2023 vintage brought a rainy spring with notable humidity in May and June, the consequence of which was an increased risk of mildew and oidium in the vineyards; fortunately, damage was kept to a minimum. More favourable conditions in July and August allowed winemakers to make up for a shaky start to the year. Summer months were sunny and warm, not quite as dry as in 2022. It should be noted that episodes of high heat had a significant impact on grape growth, as did the presence of leaf-hoppers, now a regular risk in the region’s vineyards. Ripening was stunted and swathes of vines were singed by the sun.
Whilst the harvests for sparkling wine and Biancu Gentile got off to a good start mid-August with healthy grapes, balanced alcohol levels and satisfactory acidity, the rest of the 2023 vintage was not quite up to the mark. At the start of September, hold-ups on ripening caused issues for the red grapes, especially in the south of the island (Ajaccio and Sartène) as well as the eastern coast. The Sciacarellu vines were harvested slightly earlier, so they came out well with decent ripeness and interesting results for the reds and rosés. However, the same cannot be said for the Niellucciu vines that had a hard time reaching maturity.
Overall, in terms of quantity, yields were perhaps the highest they’ve been for the past 30 years in Corsica. Quality, on the other hand, is somewhat hit or miss, with high levels of alcohol and low acidity. The whites and rosés arguably came out better with some fresh and aromatic cuvées. As for the reds, the lighter wines are acceptable, but those with a more structured profile are less consistent.
In Provence, the 2023 vintage was demanding but brought results. After a dry winter followed by a rainy spring, many winemakers had to deal with an unexpected threat of mildew and some spells of hail. This was particularly the case between Flassans and Pignans. Vigilant reactions in the region meant that treatments were applied in time, allowing the grapes to stay healthy.
The summer, hot but tempered by Provence’s proximity to the coast, permitted good levels of ripening across the region’s grape varieties. A heatwave in mid-August did dry out some vineyards, but spells of rainfall and a strong mistral wind rehydrated the grapes and kept them in good health, especially on the old slopes and the coastal areas. The harvesting period stretched from late August to mid-September, following the rhythm of each terroir and grape variety.
Overall, Provence’s 2023 whites are fresh and aromatic, the rosés clear and straightforward, and the reds showcase gorgeous colour, fruit, and harmonious structure. The Sainte-Victoire, La Londe, Pierrefeu, and Cuers appellations all boast a balanced and aromatic vintage, with both acidity and ripeness preserved despite varying weather conditions.
Browse 2023 wines from Provence
Roussillon
Dry white: 16/20
Red: 16/20
In the Pyrénées-Orientales region, 2023 brought it’s fair share of challenges due to a particularly intense drought. After an exceptionally dry spring, the vines started budding around 15 days late as winter water reserves were urgently low. Winemakers had to adapt every move to protect their vineyards from the threat of water stress.
Whilst dry conditions continued into the summer, there were thankfully several stormy episodes in July and August that slowed down excessive ripening and kept sugar concentration at optimal levels. There was almost no tramontane – northern wind – during the season, a rarity in Roussillon, and this reduced evapotranspiration, encouraging healthy vines and limiting the need for chemical additives. The heat of August did, however, bring the harvest forward, creating demanding conditions for teams that had to quickly discern the ideal moment for picking in order to avoid the risk of excessive sun.
High-altitude vineyards enjoyed cooler nights, allowing them to preserve aromatic freshness and acidity, whilst the coastal areas of Banyuls and Collioure felt the benefit of the ocean spray. These created the ideal conditions for local grape varieties like Grenache to obtain a perfect balance of power and elegance. Vigilance on the part of winemakers, technical subtlety, and contrasting micro-climates all allowed the crafting of 2023 wines that are smooth, complex, and aromatic.
Overall, we find a vintage of reds that are riched and balanced, whites that are expressive, and some luminous rosés, all with the quintessential sunny and maritime profile we so love from the Roussillon region.
The Loire Valley
Dry white: 16/20
Sweet white: 15-16/20
Red: 15-16/20
2023 in the Loire Valley brought a series of contrasting weather events, between heatwaves and heavy rain, putting the region’s winemakers to the test. Early summer saw a rise in the threat of fungus and the season’s heat caused ripening to speed up, pushing harvests to begin early compared to the previous decade’s practices. Nonetheless, the grapes picked were in good health with a balanced profile.
Yields varied significantly across the region; some terroirs saw an abundance in volume, whilst others had suffered from the effects of hail, drought, and mildew. Constant vigilance and mastery in the vineyards were essential to keep the grapes balanced and to limit the use of chemical additives.
The vineyards around Nantes enjoyed a combination of good sunlight and sufficient rainfall, encouraging excellent health on the vines. The grapes grown for Muscadet wines stand out for their lively, fresh character, carrying aromas of citrus and white flesh fruits. Perfectly balanced, these Melon de Bourgogne grapes crafted a 2023 vintage with interesting ageing potential, reflecting their typical Loire nature.
In the Anjou area, we find Sauvignon cuvées with intense fruit and marked minerality, whilst the reds surprised with their consistent ripeness. The Cabernet and Gamay grapes reveal delicate notes of cherry, blackcurrant, and strawberry, with supple tannins and a pleasantly round profile, thanks to two waves of warmth that tempered the rhythm of ripening. The Anjou whites of 2023 have a remarkable tension due to the preservation of malic acid, resulting in fresh and balanced wines.
Vineyards in the Touraine area produced Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes that boast a lovely freshness and an aromatic palette loyal to the local terroir. The reds, mainly Cabernet Franc and Gamay, showcase fruity and elegant results, not too heavy on the alcohol, with a subtle balance of concentration and liveliness. The region’s rosé cuvées got the best of September’s heatwave to develop fresh red fruit aromas, a fullness on the palate, and a vivacious character typical of the region.
In the Centre-Val-de-Loire, more temperate conditions slowed down the ripening process, allowing for a regular and high-quality harvest. Despite the threat of mildew and black rot, precise work on the part of the region’s winemakers ensured balanced and aromatic presses. The white wines have a lovely mineral quality and lingering freshness, whilst the reds have come out with supple tannins and bright fruit.
The Crémant de Loire – the region’s sparkling wine – is made from early harvests of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The 2023 Crémants are elegant and nicely acidic. With a notable energy and developed aromatics, once again the region’s winemakers prove their skill in the face of demanding conditions.
Finally, the unpredictable weather of this vintage didn’t work in favour of the late harvest wines (vendanges tardives), drastically reducing the production of sweet wines by 40-70%. Whilst yields were greatly diminished, the quality observed is more than acceptable, especially for renowned estates with the know-how to carry out very strict sorting processes. These sweet wines turned out elegant and aromatic. Whilst the 2023 vintage won’t be one of the region’s finest for vins liquoreux, the cuvées will nonetheless be perfectly enjoyable.
View 2023 wines from the Loire Valley
The Rhône Valley
Northern Rhône
Dry white: 16/20
Red: 18/20
Southern Rhône
Dry white: 16.5-17/20
Red: 16/20
Crafting the Rhône’s 2023 vintage was a real balancing act due to a whole year of contrasting weather conditions. After an exceptionally dry winter marked by a long period of low rainfall in January and February, the vineyards had a tricky start to the season in both the Northern and Southern Rhône as water reserves were limited. Springtime was no kinder, defined by heavy rainfall, especially in the North where we saw storms sometimes bringing hail as well as generous downpours. The latter had its advantages, though, regenerating the soil and encouraging plant growth. The threat of fungal infection in the vineyard remained constant. A wave of heat moved in with the arrival of the summer, and the vines enjoyed significant temperature shifts between day and night. Particularly cool nights allowed the grapes to preserve a level of freshness, even with a latecoming heatwave in the region.
In the Northern Rhône, winemakers had to adapt to relatively unstable conditions. In Saint-Péray, the season called for constant adjustments, but the resulting wine nicely reflects the freshness of its terroir. The Syrah cuvées across the Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph appellations showcase depth of colour, silky tanins and elegant structure. Despite the intense heat that hit at the end of August, winemakers largely succeeded in producing a sufficient volume of well-balanced grapes, crafting a Northern vintage characterised by its finesse and freshness. Crozes-Hermitage suffered some stormy spells in 2023, but its reds are balanced and tannic; its white wines are lively and opulent.
The weather made life difficult for estates in the Southern Rhône, too, but again we find wines that turned out well. The Côte-du-Rhône cuvées are well-structured, bringing together a powerful profile and a good level of acidity. In the Ventoux appellation, a long harvesting session and notable temperature variations at the end of September resulted in ideal phenolic ripeness; the whites and fresh and balanced, the reds deep and elegant. Around Dentelles de Montmirail, where we find the appellations of Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise, for example, the vines didn’t suffer too much from drought, allowing winemakers to craft some refined reds with plump tannins. Elsewhere in the South, Cairanne, Lirac, Costières-de-Nîmes, and Grignan-les-Adhémar all produced fruity, structured, and very expressive wines, with melt-in-the-mouth tannins and a rich aromatic palette. Finally, the Clairette de Die appellation stands out for a harmonious 2023 vintage that boasts beautiful acidity alongside aromas of peach, pear, and exotic fruit.
South-West
Dry white: 16/20
Red: 16/20
The South-West’s 2023 vintage will go down in history as one of the region’s most difficult in terms of unpredictable weather conditions. After a particularly humid spring, winemakers were faced with a series of challenging events: a violent hailstorm the 20th June, followed by an August heatwave of over 40 degrees Celsius, and a strong Autan wind. This combination of water stress, mildew outbreaks, and strong heat impacted the volumes produced. Overall, harvest yields for 2023 were down 21% on average compared to the period 2018-2022. Particularly hard-hit were the vineyards of Madiran, where some parcels were almost wiped out, and some of the harvests in Fronton and Cahors dropped by half.
Fortunately, not all estates were affected in the same way. In Irouléguy, higher-altitude vineyards produced normal yields as they were protected by fog and cloud-cover. In the Côtes du Marmandais area, the red grapes suffered more than the whites, the latter being generally more resistant. In Gaillac, results were as varied as the grape varieties themselves: the Mauzac vines suffered from the humidity and heat, whilst the Fer Servadou grapes came out well. This latter grape makes up most of the vineland in Marcillac, as well, where yields were actually higher than average, confirming the hardiness of this variety when faced with difficult weather.
Whilst volume decreased overall, the quality of this 2023 vintage is attractive. The region’s healthy, ripe grapes produced aromatic and balanced wines that reflect the character of their region. The whites managed to keep a hold on their freshness and tension, and the reds boast silky tannins and crisp fruit aromas. The better-exposed terroirs saw the creation of fine, harmonious cuvées for 2023.
Shop 2023 wines from South-West France
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