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High hopes for 2009 vintage across Europe

Published:  23 September, 2009

Early reports that 2009 could turn out to be a star vintage in many regions across Europe are providing a much-needed boost for the beleagured wine trade.

Early reports that 2009 could turn out to be a star vintage in many regions across Europe are providing a much-needed boost for the beleagured wine trade.

Producers in many fine wine areas, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Douro, Rioja, Germany, Italy and Champagne say low yields and almost-perfect ripening conditions should help produce the one of the best vintages of recent years.

In Burgundy, Philippe Prost, chief winemaker at Bouchard Père et Fils, told Harpers: "It's looking very, very good in terms of gacidity and concentration and the ripeness is almost looking like 2005. There's more fruit structure than 06, 07 or 08."

A spokeswoman for Inter-Beaujolais said: "This new vintage is sure to be amongst the greatest that the Beaujolais region has ever seen". Technical manager Jean-Luc Berger added: "Apart from 2005, it has not been since 1976 that we have had such great colour."

It is early days in Bordeaux, with the white harvesting underway and the reds mainly expected in October, but most producers agree it is shaping up to be a very good vintage after a hot and dry summer.
Producer Gavin Quinney, of Château Bauduc, said: "Too much rain now could spoil an otherwise superb vintage. But there is every chance of an outstanding vintage."

Consultant Richard Bampfield MW said reports from Jean-Christophe Mau of Château Brown in Pessac-Leognan and Château Preuillac in the Médoc were of good sugar and acid balance in the white grapes, comparable to 2005.

"Yields look good, although they may end up being low if no further rain falls", he added.
Patrick Jestin, chief executive of Dourthe, said: "First impressions indicate the 2009 harvest is a very promising vintage."

A spokeswoman from the Champagne Bureau said: "The grapes are at a more advanced stage of maturity compared to last year, with high levels of potential alcohol, balanced by goodly amounts of natural acidity. Expect expressive, harmonious wines."

David Gleave MW, of Italian specialist Liberty Wines, said quality promised to be high in Tuscany although it was a bit early to predict, and good whites were being predicted from the north east. He added: "In the Abruzzi, things are looking pretty good though Montepulciano won't start for another 10 days or so. In Piemonte, it looks like being an early season due to the warmth of the growing season."

Port yields are expected to be down around 10%. Adrian Bridge, chief executive of the Fladgate Partnership, said: "Even though yields are down, the overall quality appears good."

German wine-growers are also anticipating a good vintage. Monika Reule, managing director of the German Wine Institute said: "Physiologically, the crop is well ripened and in a nearly optimal state of health thanks to outstanding weather in late summer."

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