Ask Sid: Which vineyard in Burgundy is benefiting most from climate change?
Question: Which vineyard in Burgundy is benefiting most from climate change?
Answer: Fascinating question. Yes vineyards everywhere are seeing grapes ripening earlier. In Burgundy those more outlying areas at the top of the hills and on the ridges have become warmer especially over the past five years than previously. Many places are much improved. If I had to pick one spot I would say Estournelles-Saint-Jacques is a top candidate because of their classic rocky soils of limestone & clay helping to retain moisture but with colder west winds (more so than in already deservedly celebrated neighbour Clos St. Jacques) that in the past produced generally leaner wines. Those winds become an ever increasing advantage with continuing climate change. Similarly for just southerly Lavaux-Saint-Jacques. This is all encouraging news for all producers from those spots including Louis Jadot, Frederic Esmonin and others. Tip: Look for their wines from 2015-2020.
