Press Releases
Beaujolais Nouveau 2003-News from the Vineyards
August 26th, 2003-At this hour, the harvest is just about over in Beaujolais, a situation never seen before, or at least not since.1893! All over France, the 2003 harvest is the earliest in 110 years!
Exceptional and sometimes-dramatic weather conditions with incredibly hot temperatures are the main reasons: mostly over 95°F in some places (even ten days in a row with 104°F in early August).
Everywhere, but especially in Beaujolais, the total harvested volume is on average 30% below previous years. In the Beaujolais vineyards, in addition to climatic conditions, new regulations to reduce yields for better quality have been implemented.
This strong decline in quantities is also due to severe frost in spring (early April), and hail and thunderstorms everywhere in Beaujolais.
This year's harvest in Beaujolais produced 35 to 40 hectolitres per hectares instead of the average 58!
As a result, the quality will be exceptional, with superb wines. Also, with this year's early harvest, we'll have more time available to make the wines carefully. Lower in acidity, higher in alcoholic degree, rich and concentrated in fruit, they will be exciting for consumers worldwide: ripe and fleshy, bringing back to Beaujolais many consumers who did not consider the " Nouveau " as a serious wine.
Lower quantities and outstanding quality means the " fight " to get enough has already started between producers, buyers, and winemakers, so don't wait to place your order for what is already the "Vintage of the Century"!
Stéphane Oudar, General Manager
Laurent Mairet, Wine-Maker
