Burgundy 2012, two strategies

Let's be honest about it, 2012 was a difficult year in Burgundy (as reported here). But a difficult growing season does not necessarily mean poor-quality wine. For some experts, such as Jacky Rigaux, 2012 brings back memories of 1977, particularly in terms of the cold, rainy weather during the flowering period.

There was a lot of rain during the spring, leading to late flowering and a lot of floral abortion. The late flowering led to a reduction in the size of the berries produced (millerandage) and less aeration of the berries on the cluster, leaving them...