Armand Heitzhas established himself as a thoughtful and innovative winemaker who honors the rich history and diversity of Burgundy. Each vintage tells a unique story shaped by the weather, vineyard practices, and meticulous attention to detail. This article will explore the challenges and triumphs of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 vintages at Armand Heitz, highlighting how the estate adapted to diverse conditions and maintained a commitment to producing wines that express the authentic characteristics of each plot.
The 2020 Vintage: Managing Extreme Conditions
The 2020 vintage at Armand Heitz began amid the challenges of the health crisis, which brought unexpected complications to vineyard operations. However, the most significant difficulties of the year stemmed from extreme weather conditions that pushed the limits of traditional viticulture.
Key Climatic Highlights of 2020
- Winter and Spring Temperatures: February and April were particularly warm, with temperatures averaging +3.7°C above normal.
- Summer Drought: The Côte d'Or experienced a summer with 62% less rainfall than average, leading to extremely dry conditions.
- Heatwaves: A severe heatwave occurred from August 6 to 13, featuring two significant peaks of high temperatures.
- Yields: Regular yields ranged from 40 to 55 hl/ha.
- Harvest Timing: The harvest began in late August, earlier than usual due to the fast-growing season.
These extreme conditions led to a short vegetative cycle and early harvests, impacting both yields and grape quality. The estate noted that while Pinot Noir grapes showed decent outputs, the heat waves took a toll on the overall yield. Despite these challenges, post-vinification analyses revealed that the wines retained a good balance and intensity. The estate’s deep oenological expertise played a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of the climate, although it raised questions about long-term sustainability.
The 2020 vintage ultimately delivered wines with robust character and notable balance. However, the broader concern at Armand Heitz remains adapting plant material and vineyard practices to sustain terroir authenticity amidst changing climatic conditions.
The 2021 Vintage: A Return to Challenges
The 2021 vintage was marked by a different set of difficulties, primarily weather-related issues that tested the resilience of the estate.
The Harvest Period: Uncertainty and Adaptation
The harvest began with red varieties, breaking the estate's tradition of starting with Chevalier-Montrachet. The shift was driven by nature, with the red grapes reaching maturity first. Early impressions indicated that some plots, like Clos des Poutures, fared better, potentially due to natural protection against frost, while others, such as Rugiens, experienced more significant damage.
- Frost and Disease: The vintage was impacted by frost and various diseases, including mildew and powdery mildew, leading to historically low yields.
- Weather Conditions: Harvest days ranged from clear and sunny to heavy rain, challenging the pickers and impacting the accessibility of the grapes.
- Quality and Style: Initial tastings showed that 2021 would produce fresh wines reminiscent of earlier vintages like 2013 and 2008, embodying a classic Burgundian style.
Armand Heitz also emphasized the importance of late pruning and close monitoring throughout the season, which improved yields in certain plots. Despite the difficulties, the estate's team adapted well to the challenges, ensuring clean grapes and high morale during a demanding harvest.
The 2022 Vintage: Embracing Change and Sustainability
The Burgundy 2022 vintage was defined by hot, dry conditions—a trend consistent with recent years. Armand Heitz approached the season with a focus on long-term adaptation to climate change, seeking to maintain finesse and freshness in the wines despite the challenges posed by higher temperatures.
Climatic Overview and Vineyard Management
- Temperature: The growing season from April 1 to September 30 recorded an average temperature of 19.2°C, significantly above the Burgundian norm of 16.4°C.
- Precipitation: The estate received only 364 mm of rainfall from January to September, 160 mm below the average.
- Drought Resilience: The estate leveraged mulching and strategic pruning to combat water stress. The mulching of the Chevalier-Montrachet plot, introduced in 2019, proved highly effective in maintaining vigor and delaying maturity.
The 2022 vintage highlighted Armand Heitz’s proactive efforts to create a biodiverse and resilient vineyard ecosystem. The estate grows various grape varieties, including Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Voltis, Souvignier Gris, and others, to foster diversity and reduce dependency on inputs. In some plots, permanent grass was temporarily removed to conserve water, and new plant covers were reintroduced in the fall.
Harvest Strategy and Vinification
- Harvest Management: The estate carefully timed the harvest to ensure that grapes were picked at optimal ripeness. The Chardonnays and white varieties were harvested first, followed by Pinot Noir, Gamay, Aligoté, and Sauvignon.
- Winemaking Philosophy: For whites, the approach was minimal intervention—no added sulphites, 12-hour settling, followed by fermentation starting in vats and mid-way transferred to barrels. Low malic acid levels and summer heat prompted natural malolactic fermentation.
- Red Wine Practices: Whole-cluster fermentation remained the standard, with minimal punching down and pumping over. The goal was to extract only the most elegant tannins, ensuring wines were complex, refined, and authentically expressive.
By the end of the season, Armand Heitz was pleased with the outcome, noting that the wines of 2022 exhibited balance, intensity, and exceptional volume. The extraction was carefully controlled, resulting in both whites and reds that maintained their freshness and character.
Conclusion: Adapting for the Future
The 2020, 2021, and 2022 vintages at Armand Heitz each presented unique challenges, from extreme heat to frost and disease. Through innovative practices, sustainable vineyard management, and a deep understanding of terroir, the estate successfully navigated these complexities to produce wines of remarkable quality. The commitment to respecting the land, adapting to climate realities, and maintaining minimal intervention in the winery ensures that Armand Heitz wines continue to capture the authentic essence of Burgundy.
Looking ahead, Armand Heitz exemplifies a forward-thinking approach, embracing both tradition and modern sustainability to produce wines that are not only reflective of their vintage but also resilient for future generations.