2016 vintage: 4 wine highlights

1) Inauguration of the Cité du Vin

The 2016 vintage saw a major event in the world of wine tourism: the opening of the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. Inaugurated by François Hollande and Alain Juppé on May 31, this 14,000-square-meter complex offers visitors a chance to explore the wine heritage of 85 countries worldwide (France, Kazakhstan, Australia, Iran, Chile, etc.). The 23 exhibition rooms at the Cité du Vin feature temporary exhibits, a belvedere, and a wine cellar.

2) 2016 Harvest: Small Yields for a Quality Vintage

While the 2015 harvest was exceptional in both maturity and volume, the 2016 vintage proved to be a bit more challenging. Difficult climatic conditions led to significant losses of grapes in certain regions, particularly Burgundy, Champagne, and the Loire Valley, which experienced severe frosts. Vineyards in the south (Corsica, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence) also saw a significant reduction in production due to severe droughts. Nevertheless, most viticulturists and winemakers agree that the quality is excellent. “Overall, we will have high-quality wines,” estimated Jérôme Despey, President of the wine specialist board at the public institution FranceAgriMer.

3) 2016 Vintage: Bordeaux Vineyard Announces Record Production Levels

Although the 2016 harvest was more challenging than 2015 across the French vineyards, one region had reason to celebrate: Bordeaux. The Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) estimates that the total wine production in 2016 reached 5.7 million hectoliters, equivalent to more than 700 million bottles. This is a record since the 2009 vintage, according to the CIVB.

4) Death of Pierre Mondavi, Illustrious Figure of the Californian Vineyard

2016 was a particularly somber year for celebrities. Indeed, major media outlets such as the BBC reported twice as many celebrity deaths as in 2015. The world of wine was not immune to this wave of mortality. At the end of February, American winemaker Peter Mondavi, a pioneer in vineyard cultivation in Napa Valley, California, passed away at the age of 101. Primarily known for developing cold fermentation techniques, Peter Mondavi was one of the first in 1963 to import oak barrels from France for aging wine at his estate, Les Vignobles Charles Krug (now CK Mondavi Family). He also planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in former dairy pastures, a significant innovation at the time.

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FAQ - 2016 vintage

Is 2016 a good vintage?

Despite difficult weather, the 2016 vintage is recognised for its quality. As Jérôme Despey, head of the wine board at FranceAgriMer, put it, most winemakers agree that 2016 produced high-quality wines, even if yields were often lower than usual.

Why were the 2016 harvests smaller than in 2015?

The 2015 vintage had been exceptional in both ripeness and volume, whereas 2016 faced marked weather swings. Frost hit several northern vineyards while drought cut production in the south, causing significant grape losses in some regions.

Which wine regions were hit hardest in 2016?

Burgundy, Champagne and the Loire Valley were struck by severe spring frosts in 2016. Further south, Corsica, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence saw part of their production fall because of heavy droughts.

Why was the 2016 vintage a record in Bordeaux?

Against the trend of the rest of the French vineyard, Bordeaux enjoyed a very fine 2016 harvest. The Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) estimated production at 5.7 million hectolitres, more than 700 million bottles, a record level since the 2009 vintage.

What is the Cité du Vin, opened in 2016?

The Cité du Vin is a large wine-tourism complex opened in Bordeaux on 31 May 2016. Spanning 14,000 square metres and 23 rooms, it showcases the wine heritage of 85 countries and offers temporary exhibitions, a belvedere and a wine cellar.