The harvest is a crucial time at which the results of all of the work that has been done in the vineyards throughout the year can be assessed. This is even truer for the 2006 Burgundy vintage that endured capricious weather, which however fortunately improved when it came time to pick the grapes.
Irregularity would perhaps be the best word to define it. More than ever, the winemakers’ involvement in vineyard management and their close partnerships with the Bouchard growers were decisive for the 2006 harvest.
In spite of the climatic ups and downs during the summer, a dry, sunny month of July and considerable rain at the end of August meant that there was no threat of water stress in the vineyards. Harvesting took place under favourable conditions. The grapes were healthy as they were picked ripe but before botrytis could set in. 2006 is a nuanced vintage with much depending on the varietal and the terroir. Careful vineyard selection and meticulous techniques promised an excellent vintage for the whites and lovely surprises for the reds whose colours are not as intense as in 2005.
Generally speaking, the Côte de Nuits suffered less than the Côte de Beaune, especially as far as Pinot Noir is concerned. Vinification methods took these disparities into account. It was a difficult year that required artistry and skill on the part of the winemakers.
For the reds, the winemakers tended to opt for long, 20 to 25-day fermentations in order to extract fine tannins and good colour. The whites showed nice balance and good natural sugar levels and were aged on the lees for roundness. The 2006 vintage embodies all of the characteristics that contribute to the reputation of Bouchard Aîné & Fils wines: respect for the terroirs and for quality. This is a vintage that holds good promise for the future.
A range of wines from the Bouchard 2006 vintage is available in Malta by local exclusive importers & distributors P.Cutajar & Co. Ltd. This includes the Macon Rouge, Mersault Blanc, Moulin a Vent, Fleurie Rouge and the Brouilly Rouge.