The 2022 Burgundy vintage exemplifies the region’s resilience and adaptability to climate change. Even in the driest, warmest, and sunniest year on record, the wines from this vintage display exceptional typicity, purity, and freshness. This vintage reinforces Burgundy’s ability to thrive in changing conditions, as producers refine their techniques to tackle modern challenges.
IN THE VINEYARD
In contrast to the difficult 2021 vintage, the 2022 season was much easier for growers. The main challenges were water shortages and sun exposure, which have increasingly become common issues in recent years. Thankfully, growers are consistently crafting effective solutions to address these problems.
The winter was mild and dry, leading to an early bud break in late March. While this raised concerns of potential frost damage (similar to 2021), the vines’ growth slowed slightly in early April, keeping them behind the 20-year average. A cold snap in early April triggered widespread frost protection measures, but unlike in 2021, the damage was limited.
Temperatures rose steadily from May through August but remained manageable, avoiding the severe heat spikes seen in 2003 and 2020. The most critical moment came in June, when Burgundy received almost double the normal rainfall. This replenished water reserves and sustained the vines through the hot summer months. Unlike the upcoming 2024 vintage, disease outbreaks were managed well throughout the growing season, with very little occurring.
While some vineyards with young vines or shallow soils experienced minor hydric stress, the grapes remained largely uniform in quality.
HARVEST
As anticipated from a warm growing season, the 2022 harvest began early, with white varieties and early-ripening red sights picked in late August. By early September, harvesting was in full swing across all appellations. Unlike previous years, growers found timing their harvests relatively straightforward, as ripeness levels developed consistently across the region.
The grapes were in exceptional condition, particularly the Pinot Noir, which showed vibrant colour, balanced sugar levels, and minimal dehydration. Juice yields were slightly lower than usual due to the thickening of grape skins under dry conditions. Nonetheless, the quality remained outstanding, with reds averaging 13-13.8% potential alcohol and whites falling within the 12.5-13.5% range.
The 2022 wines’ acid levels are balanced, with a low malic acid content and a predominance of tartaric acid, enhancing freshness. This stability ensures the wines maintain vibrancy despite the warm conditions.
IN THE CELLAR
Winemaking in 2022 was relatively straightforward. While some producers noted slower malolactic fermentations, the vintage’s concentration necessitated traditional ageing practices. Many winemakers returned to their usual élevage timelines after shortening them in 2021.
For red wines, extraction was handled with particular care. Modern Burgundy winemaking trends lean towards gentle techniques, and in 2022, most winemakers avoided aggressive punch-downs, opting instead for gentle pump-overs. The thick-skinned grapes provided ample colour and tannin without excessive manipulation. Despite this, the wines are not as deeply coloured as those from 2018, 2019, or 2020.
The debate around whole-bunch fermentation continued. Some producers incorporated stems to enhance freshness and structure, while others preferred full destemming to maintain precision. Both approaches yielded successful results, showcasing the adaptability of Burgundy’s winemaking philosophies.
WHITE WINES
Chardonnay has demonstrated its ability to maintain freshness and energy in warm vintages, and 2022 is no exception. The best examples offer purity and minerality, distinguishing them from Chardonnays produced in other warm regions. The key to preserving Burgundy’s signature style lies in careful harvest timing.
This vintage clearly delineates the hierarchy of Burgundy’s appellations, with Premier and Grand Crus standing out for their depth and complexity. Interestingly, some previously overlooked cooler sites, such as those in Auxey-Duresses and the Hautes-Côtes, have produced exceptional wines in shifting climate patterns.
RED WINES
Pinot Noir is more sensitive to warmth than Chardonnay, making red Burgundy production increasingly challenging. However, 2022 proved to be an outstanding red-wine vintage, with wines displaying remarkable balance, vibrant red fruit profiles, and elegant floral aromas. The tannins are particularly noteworthy—silky, ripe, and seamlessly integrated.
Unlike the denser, more structured vintages of 2018 and 2020, the 2022 reds offer immediate appeal yet possess the balance necessary for long-term aging. Comparisons to previous vintages have been varied; while 2017’s charm is evident, 2022 has greater depth and longevity. Some growers even liken it to a refined version of 2005, benefiting from improved vineyard and cellar practices.
CONCLUSION
The 2022 Burgundy vintage stands among the finest in recent memory, demonstrating how winemakers have adapted to the realities of climate change. Both reds and whites exhibit exceptional balance, complexity, and elegance, making them highly desirable for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Given the precision in vineyard and cellar management, the wines of this vintage promise both immediate pleasure and long-term potential, securing Burgundy’s place at the forefront of fine winemaking for years to come.
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