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CHABLIS
Record-breaking harvests

The harvests

A record-breaking early harvest – the first Chablis
grapes were harvested on 24th August. For the record,
last year the first grapes were not picked until the
13th September!
Record-breaking heat – temperatures regularly broke
the 35°C mark (95°F). Many winemakers did their
harvesting at night-time to deliver optimal juice quality.
Record-breaking quantities of grapes picked – we
pressed the equivalent of more than 40 hectares Initial tastings
(98.84 acres).
Record-breaking numbers of old vines with more than ‘We’ve got acidity levels that are just right for the
50 hectares (123.55 acres) of vines aged between 40 balance we’re trying to achieve. Fermentation is
and 55 years, not to mention plots of Chablis dating coming along very nicely; we’re working with grapes
to 1934 and plots of Aligoté planted in 1929! with decent levels of sugar (unlike the previous two
years) and the yeasts, whether naturally-occurring
A record-breaking year for HVE (Haute Valeur or selected, seem to appreciate this. The process of
Environnementale – a system of certification awarded alcoholic fermentation has been completed in more
by the French Ministry of Agriculture). For J. Moreau & than 95% of vats.
Fils, this certification is something that really marks
them out – and more and more winemakers partnering The Chablis features intense aromas of pink grapefruit
with the House are following in their footsteps (from and pear. We put the Premiers Crus and Grands Crus
Bourgogne Aligoté to Grand Cru…) into oak barrels, using a large number of 450 and
500 litre barrels which will really add to the wines’
Record-breaking disinfection measures taken to finesse and elegance.
protect employees and wine-makers and help prevent
the spread of Covid-19. Malolactic fermentation will bring extra roundness
and lots of complexity to our wines.’
LUCIE DEPUYDT

4 Boisset La Famille des Grands Vins - www.boisset.com - Special Issue - The 2020 Vintage