‘Fruitiness’ defines Chablis 2015 vintage

A “very hot” summer means this year’s Chablis vintage stands out for its “fruitiness”, in contrast to the “saline” style associated with 2014, according to the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB).

A ‘very good’ 2015 Chablis vintage has been reported, with a hot dry summer contributing ‘fruitiness’ that will make the wines more ‘accessible’ (Photo: BIVB)

Commenting in the BIVB’s 2015 vintage report, Chablis oenology adviser Jacques Lesimple confirmed that 2015 was a “very good” vintage, with a hot, dry summer contributing to high grape sugar levels which at the same time maintained a satisfactory level of acidity.

“Some feared a lack of acidity but that’s not the case – very few wines lack vivacity,” Lesimple said.

“This 2015 vintage is a sunny one, which stands out for its fruitiness. It will give rise to wines which are very accessible for consumers. For me, it can be classified as a very good vintage.”

The 2015 vintage started with ideal conditions, the report said. Bud burst occurred without any problems and there were no springtime frosts.

Warm temperatures combined with heavy rainfall in April meant the vines developed well, and by springtime it was clear that 2015 would be an early vintage.

Concerns over hail damage following hailstorms which passed through a narrow strip of premier and grand cru climats – Les Clos, Blanchot and Montée de Tonnerre – just prior to harvest proved to be overstated, with only 300ha of 5,400ha vines affected.

The early vintage meant producers were able to quickly pick the grapes and save what was hit by the storm, the report said. 

Grapes were picked over a two-week period, with the bunches rich in sugar and with a very satisfactory level of acidity.

Alcoholic fermentations, the report continued, produced fruity notes. “This sunshine-filled vintage will no doubt be less chiselled and less saline in style than the 2014 vintage,” it concluded.