Skip to content
After a string of challenging years marked by frost, hail, drought, and drastically low yields, the 2022 vintage in Burgundy has offered something of a reprieve—a vintage that combines generosity, charm, and classic character. For both growers and drinkers, it’s a vintage to celebrate and one that may restore balance not just in the glass but in Burgundy’s wine economy.
A Much-Needed Return to Abundance
Following the frost-ravaged 2021 vintage, where yields were among the lowest in decades, 2022 brought a sigh of relief. The growing season started early and unfolded with relatively few disruptions. Flowering was even and successful, and despite the hot and dry summer, the vines held up remarkably well. Thanks to adequate winter rainfall and occasional storms during the growing season, water stress was largely avoided—a key factor that set 2022 apart from other recent warm vintages like 2020.
As a result, growers across both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits reported healthy yields and excellent grape quality. For the first time in several years, producers could breathe easier—many finally had enough wine to replenish depleted cellars.
Pinot Noir: Ripe, Silky, and Pure
The Pinot Noir wines of 2022 show ripeness and elegance, with fine tannins, vibrant fruit, and good balance. Alcohol levels are generally moderate, and acidity is fresh—an encouraging sign given the warmth of the season. These are accessible wines, often showing early appeal with a polished texture and expressive aromatics.
Stylistically, they fall somewhere between the structure of 2019 and the silkiness of 2020, with a touch more lift and classicism. The best reds, especially from cooler terroirs or producers who favored a gentle extraction, offer a beautiful interplay between fruit and finesse.
Chardonnay: Expressive and Harmonious
The 2022 whites are among the best in recent years, particularly in Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet. Thanks to the even ripening and retained acidity, the wines display lively freshness, precise minerality, and layered fruit. Alcohol levels are balanced, and oak is often well-integrated, letting the purity of the fruit shine.
There’s a sense of tension and energy in the best examples—hallmarks of a top Chardonnay vintage. This is especially noteworthy given the warm season, a testament to Burgundy’s increasingly adaptable viticulture and the resilience of its terroirs.
A Vintage for the Cellar and the Table
Perhaps the greatest gift of 2022 is its versatility. These are wines that can age but won’t demand decades in the cellar to show their best. Their immediate charm, aromatic clarity, and structural balance make them suitable for earlier drinking, while the better cuvées from top producers and climats will develop gracefully over the next 10–15 years.
And for Burgundy lovers weary of scarcity, the larger volumes mean slightly improved availability, though global demand still keeps prices high.
Final Thoughts: Hope and Harmony
The 2022 vintage is a welcome reminder that Burgundy can still deliver both quality and quantity—a rare and treasured combination. In a region so often marked by extremes, this is a vintage of harmony, bringing relief to producers and delight to collectors and drinkers.
If you’re new to Burgundy or hesitant after recent high prices and short supplies, 2022 is an excellent vintage to explore. For longtime followers, it’s a chance to stock up and revisit the region’s capacity to deliver balanced, site-driven wines with unmistakable charm.