December 14th – Crus Bourgeois du Médoc, a family of châteaux on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, is pleased to share their experience with the 2022 harvest and what consumers can expect. Overall, winegrowers report a great harvest with standard yields.
“We had a very, very good harvest, with magnificent sunshine and a great team and atmosphere,” said Allison Poher, Sales Manager at Château Biston Brillette. “The grapes are délicieux!”
Harvest started early for some due to the sun and heat, but generally ran from mid-August through September. For Château Fontis in the Médoc appellation, harvest went from August 21 – September 27, whereas Château Biston Brillette in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation held off on picking grapes until September 15. For Château d’Agassac (further north in Haut-Médoc), harvest was more spread out and they were still picking the remaining blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon on October 3; they found that the second half of harvest was ideal (11°C in the mornings and 24°C in the afternoon) for sorting grapes and vatting.
Winegrowers were happy to see stable weather overall this fall, unlike the humidity in Bordeaux that has previously impacted harvest conditions. Vineyard practices such as leaf stripping and tillage in dry, hot weather helped combat drought. Yields from the 2022 harvest range on an average of 25 to 35 Hl/Ha. Château d’Agassac reported alcohol levels to date between 12.7% – 15%, with higher acidity than expected which should bring more freshness.
Many châteaux are so far pleased with the soft and ripe tannic structure of the 2022 vintage which has so far promised expressive and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. “The balance is perfect, from the well-structured tannins and light mouthfeel to the fresh red and black fruit flavors,” said Pierre-Alexandre Gazaille, Sales Director of Château d’Agassac.
As harvest wrapped up in the fall, Crus Bourgeois du Médoc châteaux celebrated a successful growing year and their teams’ hard work on October 8, the traditional Gerbaude, which is a harvest celebration that features local food, old vintages, and a time of conviviality for all.
ABOUT CRUS BOURGEOIS DU MEDOC
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc form the largest family of Bordeaux crus from some of the most prestigious appellations of the Left Bank. This association brings together vineyards with widely differing profiles and terroirs that satisfy a drastic set of requirements. The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc classification guarantees consumers a standard of quality for every bottle that proudly bears the ‘Crus Bourgeois’ label.
