A short guide to recent Champagne vintages, from 2008 to 2019: the character of each vintage and key information on every year in Champagne
The impact of vintage in Champagne: climate and terroir
The Champagne region lies in north-eastern France, in a cool continental climate zone that until just a few years ago was considered the northernmost limit for viticulture (just below the 50th parallel). The region is also universally recognised as the home of fine sparkling wine, above all for having developed, over the centuries, the steps that define the so-called "traditional method", also known as the "méthode champenoise". What makes this terroir unique, then, is its fascinating history, its distinctive landscape and the centuries-old practice of crafting high-quality wines through a combination of craftsmanship and local tradition.
Key to understanding the exceptional quality of Champagne wines is the range of its seven permitted grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier (also known as Pinot Meunier), Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Arbanne and Petit Meslier, with the first three accounting for the vast majority of production.
The Champagne area is divided into five sub-regions: the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs, the Vallée de la Marne, the Côte de Sézanne and the Côte des Bar. Each of these sub-regions has become renowned for the unique characteristics of its soils and for the cultivation of particular grape varieties, adding complexity and depth to the wines. It is from these considerations that the Premier Cru and Grand Cru designations historically arose.
This is why vintages play a crucial role in Champagne in shaping the style of the wines, influencing both vintage and non-vintage cuvées and reflecting the skill of the chefs de cave in the art of blending and ageing. Understanding the impact of each vintage is essential for Champagne lovers, as it allows them to appreciate the diversity and excellence that define this iconic wine region.
Click on a vintage to jump straight to its analysis, or simply scroll through each vintage in turn: 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2008
Recent Champagne vintages: the details, year by year
Below is a brief yet thorough analysis of the vintages of the last "long" decade in Champagne, from the celebrated 2008 vintage to the 2019 vintage.
The 2019 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2019, with a moderately warm season, offered optimal growing conditions for Chardonnay. The harvest benefited from pleasant temperatures. The vintage can be considered moderately warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Chardonnay ripened evenly, producing elegant, fresh Champagnes. Pinot Noir contributed depth, while Pinot Meunier added freshness. The vintage yielded high-quality Champagnes, underlining the importance of favourable weather conditions in producing outstanding wines.
The 2018 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2018 saw hot, dry summers that particularly favoured Pinot Noir. The harvest benefited from sunny conditions. The vintage can be considered warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Pinot Noir contributed richness and structure. Chardonnay retained remarkable freshness, while Pinot Meunier added vibrancy. The climatic variety led to a range of high-quality expressions, demonstrating the resilience of the growers and the region's ability to adapt to changing weather conditions.
The 2017 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2017 began with cold temperatures followed by a warm summer. The harvest benefited from significant diurnal temperature variation. The vintage can be considered moderately warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Pinot Noir showed its versatility, adding complexity. Chardonnay retained its lively acidity, contributing to the overall freshness. Pinot Meunier added a fruity touch. The temperature variation encouraged a diversity of styles and characteristics.
The 2016 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2016 had cool summers and warm autumns, particularly favouring Chardonnay. The harvest benefited from balanced weather conditions. The vintage can be considered moderately warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Chardonnay shone with elegance and freshness, contributing to well-balanced wines. Pinot Noir added complexity, while Pinot Meunier contributed a fruity note. The balanced climate produced distinctive, elegant Champagnes.
The 2015 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2015 saw a hot summer that particularly favoured Pinot Noir. The harvest was marked by high temperatures. The vintage can be considered warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Pinot Noir contributed richness and structure, while Chardonnay retained lively acidity. Pinot Meunier added fruitiness. The vintage produced ripe, powerful Champagnes, highlighting the versatility of the region.
The 2014 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2014 was marked by unsettled weather with variable temperatures. The harvest called for careful management. The vintage can be considered moderately cool.
Wines and grape varieties: Pinot Noir proved resilient, contributing structure. Chardonnay faced some difficulties, while Pinot Meunier added freshness. The vintage produced high-quality Champagnes, reflecting the climatic diversity of the region.
The 2013 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2013 began with a moderately cold spring, followed by a moderately warm summer. The harvest benefited from pleasant temperatures. The vintage can be considered moderately warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Pinot Noir added elegance and structure, while Chardonnay developed complexity in the vintage wines. Pinot Meunier contributed freshness, creating aromatic Champagnes. The vintage produced a range of high-quality styles.
The 2012 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2012 saw a moderately cold spring, followed by a moderately warm summer. The harvest benefited from stable temperatures. The vintage can be considered moderately warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Pinot Noir benefited from the moderate temperatures, adding structure and complexity. Chardonnay shone in the vintage wines, showing citrus notes. Pinot Meunier contributed freshness. The balanced climate gave rise to distinctive, elegant Champagnes.
The 2011 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2011 experienced a moderately cold spring and a moderately warm summer. Cool temperatures persisted throughout the harvest. The vintage can be considered moderately cool.
Wines and grape varieties: Pinot Meunier thrived in the cooler temperatures, adding freshness and fruitiness to the finished wines. Pinot Noir retained an elegant structure, while Chardonnay brought acidity. The vintage produced light, lively Champagnes.
The 2010 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2010 began with a moderately cool spring, followed by a moderately warm summer. The harvest benefited from pleasant temperatures. The vintage can be considered moderately warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Chardonnay shone thanks to the moderate temperatures, bringing elegance and freshness. Pinot Noir added structure, while Pinot Meunier contributed fruity notes. The balanced climate gave rise to refined, well-balanced Champagnes.
The 2009 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2009 saw a moderately warm spring, which brought flowering forward. The summer was exceptionally hot, encouraging early ripening of the grapes. The vintage can be considered warm.
Wines and grape varieties: Pinot Noir excelled thanks to the higher temperatures, contributing to rich, structured wines. Pinot Meunier added freshness, while Chardonnay retained a certain vibrancy. The vintage produced powerful, complex Champagnes.
The 2008 vintage in Champagne
Weather conditions: 2008 began with a moderately cool spring, followed by a steady, not overly warm flowering period. The summer remained moderate in temperature, creating ideal conditions for the harvest. The vintage can be considered moderately cool.
Wines and grape varieties: Chardonnay benefited from the moderate temperatures, expressing elegance and acidity in the vintage wines. Pinot Noir contributed structure and complexity to the blends, while Pinot Meunier added freshness. Together they produced balanced, vibrant Champagnes.
The information in this article has been gathered and cross-checked from various websites and reports, in order to provide as objective and realistic a picture as possible.
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