Was 2017 a good year for wine? The short answer is: it depends. It’s a vintage defined by significant regional variations, challenges, and ultimately, some outstanding wines. Understanding the specific conditions of each major wine region is key to appreciating the 2017 vintage. This article will delve into the nuances of 2017, exploring the triumphs and tribulations experienced by winemakers across the globe.
France: A Tale of Two Halves
France, the heartland of so many celebrated wines, experienced a particularly challenging 2017. Spring frosts devastated many vineyards, significantly reducing yields, especially in regions like Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. However, the summer that followed was generally warm and dry, allowing the remaining grapes to ripen fully.
Bordeaux: Frost and Resilience
The 2017 vintage in Bordeaux is best described as uneven. Widespread frost in late April severely impacted yields, with some estates losing up to 80% of their crop. This resulted in smaller quantities of wine, but also concentrated flavors in the remaining grapes. The best wines from 2017 Bordeaux are elegant, well-structured, and possess good aging potential, particularly those from areas less affected by the frost. However, careful selection is crucial, as the quality varies considerably.
The Right Bank, especially Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, generally fared better than the Left Bank, due to some natural protection from the worst of the frost. Expect Merlot-dominant blends to be more successful overall.
Burgundy: Quantity Down, Quality Up?
Burgundy also suffered from spring frosts, leading to significantly reduced yields, particularly in Chablis and the Côte de Beaune. This scarcity pushed prices up, but also, arguably, contributed to higher quality in some cases. The surviving grapes benefited from the warm summer, resulting in concentrated flavors and ripe tannins. Look for Pinot Noir with vibrant fruit and excellent structure, and Chardonnay with good acidity and complexity. However, as with Bordeaux, the key is to research specific producers, as the impact of the frost was not uniform.
Champagne: A Promising Harvest
Champagne, thankfully, avoided the worst of the frost damage experienced in other parts of France. 2017 saw a relatively warm and dry growing season, leading to a good quality harvest. The wines are generally considered to be well-balanced, with good acidity and ripe fruit. While not necessarily a vintage for long-term aging, 2017 Champagnes are enjoyable and approachable.
Loire Valley: Frost’s Harsh Toll
The Loire Valley was one of the regions hit hardest by the spring frosts. Yields were drastically reduced, impacting both white and red wines. Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc were all affected. Finding high-quality 2017 Loire Valley wines requires diligence. Some producers managed to salvage excellent fruit, resulting in concentrated and expressive wines, but these are relatively rare.
Italy: Sunshine and Success
In contrast to the challenges faced in parts of France, Italy generally enjoyed a successful 2017 vintage. A warm and dry growing season led to ripe and concentrated grapes, resulting in wines with rich flavors and good structure.
Tuscany: A Classic Vintage in the Making
Tuscany experienced a hot and dry summer in 2017, which led to early ripening and concentrated flavors in the Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino from 2017 are generally considered to be excellent, with ripe fruit, firm tannins, and good aging potential. These wines are known for their structure and intensity. The heat resulted in a more powerful, structured wine.
Piedmont: Bravery in Barolo and Barbaresco
Piedmont also experienced a warm vintage in 2017. While some producers harvested earlier than usual to avoid overripe grapes, the best wines from Barolo and Barbaresco are concentrated and complex, with ripe tannins and good aging potential. Careful vineyard management was crucial in maintaining acidity and freshness. Look for wines from producers known for their meticulous practices.
Veneto: Amarone Shines
The Veneto region, home to Amarone della Valpolicella, benefited from the warm and dry conditions. 2017 Amarones are expected to be rich, full-bodied, and intensely flavored, with concentrated dried fruit notes. The appassimento process (drying the grapes) further intensified the flavors, making for powerful and age-worthy wines.
Spain: Warmth and Concentration
Spain, like Italy, generally experienced a warm and dry 2017 vintage. This resulted in ripe and concentrated grapes, leading to wines with rich flavors and good structure.
Rioja: Powerful and Age-Worthy
Rioja experienced a warm and dry growing season, leading to early ripening and concentrated flavors in the Tempranillo grapes. 2017 Riojas are expected to be powerful and age-worthy, with ripe fruit, firm tannins, and good structure. Winemakers focused on managing extraction to avoid over-extraction and maintain balance.
Ribera del Duero: Intensity and Structure
Ribera del Duero, known for its bold Tempranillo wines, also benefited from the warm and dry conditions. 2017 Ribera del Duero wines are characterized by their intensity, structure, and ripe fruit flavors. The wines are generally full-bodied and have good aging potential.
United States: Wildfires and Resilience in California
California’s 2017 vintage is notable not only for the quality of the wines but also for the devastating wildfires that impacted the region in October. Fortunately, most of the grapes had already been harvested before the fires, minimizing the impact on the overall quality.
Napa Valley and Sonoma: A Race Against Time
Napa Valley and Sonoma experienced a warm growing season, leading to early ripening and concentrated flavors. The harvest was well underway when the wildfires struck, causing significant challenges for wineries. Smoke taint was a concern in some areas, but many producers were able to mitigate the effects through careful selection and winemaking techniques. The best 2017 California wines are rich, full-bodied, and intensely flavored, with good structure and aging potential. It is important to research wineries regarding the proximity to the fires.
Oregon: A Return to Normality
Oregon, less affected by the wildfires, enjoyed a good 2017 vintage. The wines are generally considered to be well-balanced, with good acidity and ripe fruit. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay performed well, producing wines with elegance and complexity.
Australia: Warm and Early
Australia experienced a warm and dry 2017 vintage, leading to early ripening and concentrated flavors. The wines are generally considered to be rich, full-bodied, and intensely flavored.
Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale: Bold and Ripe
Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, known for their Shiraz and Grenache wines, benefited from the warm conditions. 2017 wines from these regions are expected to be bold and ripe, with concentrated fruit flavors and good structure.
Margaret River: Consistent Quality
Margaret River, known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, maintained its consistent quality in 2017. The wines are generally well-balanced, with good acidity and ripe fruit.
Conclusion: Navigating the 2017 Vintage
The 2017 vintage is a mixed bag, characterized by significant regional variations and challenges. While some regions experienced devastating frosts or wildfires, others enjoyed warm and dry conditions that led to excellent wines. The key to navigating the 2017 vintage is to research specific regions and producers, and to be aware of the challenges that were faced. With careful selection, you can find some exceptional wines from 2017 that offer both quality and value. Ultimately, 2017 highlights the importance of understanding terroir and the resilience of winemakers in the face of adversity.
2017 Wine Vintage Summary Table
| Region | Overall Assessment | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux, France | Uneven, some excellent | Frost impact, elegant wines from unaffected areas |
| Burgundy, France | Good, smaller yields | Concentrated flavors, ripe tannins |
| Champagne, France | Good | Well-balanced, approachable |
| Tuscany, Italy | Excellent | Ripe fruit, firm tannins, good aging potential |
| Piedmont, Italy | Good to Excellent | Concentrated, complex, ripe tannins |
| Rioja, Spain | Excellent | Powerful, age-worthy, good structure |
| Napa Valley & Sonoma, USA | Good, Wildfire Concerns | Rich, full-bodied, intense flavors, smoke taint potential |
What were the defining characteristics of the 2017 wine vintage globally?
The 2017 vintage was marked by significant weather extremes across many winemaking regions worldwide. Early frosts in Europe, particularly in France, decimated yields in some areas, while droughts plagued parts of California. Conversely, some regions experienced exceptionally warm and dry conditions that led to concentrated fruit and potentially high-quality wines, albeit with reduced volumes.
The overall impact was a fragmented vintage. While certain regions suffered significant losses, others thrived, producing exceptional wines. The key takeaway is the significant variability, requiring careful consideration of the specific region and producer when evaluating 2017 wines. This variability emphasizes the importance of researching the specific conditions impacting a particular vineyard or appellation to understand the resulting wine’s characteristics.
Which wine regions were most affected by the adverse weather conditions in 2017?
France experienced particularly harsh frosts in late April, impacting regions like Burgundy, Champagne, and the Loire Valley. These frosts significantly reduced yields, impacting the overall production volume for these areas. Some producers lost a substantial portion of their crops, leading to higher prices and reduced availability of certain 2017 wines.
California also faced challenges in 2017, primarily due to drought conditions that had been ongoing for several years. Although the drought ended mid-year, the prior water stress affected vine health and yields in some regions. This resulted in smaller berries with concentrated flavors, requiring careful winemaking to manage tannin levels and prevent overly extracted wines.
Were there any regions that particularly benefited from the conditions of 2017?
Some regions in Australia and parts of Italy experienced favorable conditions in 2017, resulting in high-quality wines. Warmer temperatures and consistent sunshine allowed for optimal ripening, producing wines with rich flavors and good structure. These regions often benefitted from moderate rainfall, avoiding the drought conditions prevalent elsewhere.
Specifically, regions like South Australia and certain areas within Tuscany and Piedmont showcased exceptional results. The wines from these areas often exhibit concentration, balance, and aging potential, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. These areas represented the brighter side of a vintage characterized by widespread challenges.
What types of wines from 2017 are considered to be particularly exceptional?
Despite the challenges, several regions produced exceptional wines, particularly those that managed to mitigate the adverse effects of the weather. Red wines from certain parts of Tuscany, Italy, like Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico, often demonstrate power and concentration due to the warm, dry conditions. Similarly, certain Australian Shiraz wines from regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale showcase rich fruit and complexity.
White wines from regions that avoided the most severe frost damage, such as parts of Germany’s Mosel Valley, also performed well. These Rieslings often exhibit excellent acidity and aromatic complexity, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the concentrated red wines of the vintage. Careful selection of producers and regions is crucial to identifying these outstanding bottles.
How has the 2017 vintage been received by wine critics and experts?
The 2017 vintage has received a mixed reception from wine critics and experts, largely due to the significant regional variations in quality. While some regions produced exceptional wines that garnered high scores, others suffered due to frost, drought, or other adverse weather conditions, resulting in less favorable reviews. This created a fragmented critical landscape with divergent opinions based on specific origins.
Many reviewers emphasize the importance of researching the specific region and producer before purchasing 2017 wines. They generally recommend seeking out wines from areas that escaped the worst of the weather challenges, or from producers known for their careful viticultural and winemaking practices that allowed them to overcome the vintage’s difficulties. The variability of the vintage has made detailed research essential for informed purchasing decisions.
What are some factors consumers should consider when purchasing 2017 wines?
When considering 2017 wines, consumers should prioritize researching the specific region and producer. Understanding the challenges faced by a particular area, and how the winemakers responded, is crucial to assessing the wine’s potential quality. Look for information about yields, weather patterns, and winemaking techniques employed to mitigate any negative impacts.
Another important factor is to consider the wine style. Lighter-bodied wines from regions affected by frost may be less concentrated than usual, while wines from drought-affected areas might exhibit higher tannins and require careful cellaring. Consulting reputable wine reviews and seeking advice from knowledgeable retailers can also provide valuable insights before making a purchase.
How do the prices of 2017 wines compare to those of other vintages?
Due to reduced yields in several key regions, the prices of some 2017 wines, particularly those from areas severely affected by frost, may be higher compared to other vintages. This is especially true for sought-after wines from regions like Burgundy and Champagne, where production volumes were significantly lower. Limited availability often drives up prices in these cases.
However, not all 2017 wines are necessarily more expensive. Regions that experienced favorable conditions may offer wines at comparable or even lower prices than other vintages. Consumers are advised to compare prices across different regions and producers, taking into account the specific challenges and successes of the 2017 vintage in each area, to make informed purchasing decisions.