2023 En Primeurs in Alsace: a year marked by climatic contrasts
The 2023 vintage in Alsace turned out to be a very special year, in which climatic contrasts played a major role in the quality and characteristics of Alsace wines. After a winter that was relatively mild, but more wet than in 2022, Spring got off to a wet start, with regular rainfall replenishing the soil's water reserves.
The weather in 2023 was not too bad!
However, Spring was also marked by unusually cool spells, slightly delaying the vine's vegetative cycle. Bud-break was later than in previous years, leading to a later harvest. Despite these conditions, the vines were able to take advantage of a sunny month of June, which favoured even and rapid flowering.
Unlike 2022, the summer of 2023 was less scorching, but was still marked by occasional heat waves in July and August. These were offset by relatively cool nights, which kept the grapes acidic and fresh. Water stress was not as pronounced as in previous years, thanks to well-distributed rainfall in early summer, which helped the vines to maintain a good balance between ripeness and acidity.
Harvest under excellent conditions
The harvest, which began in the second half of September, took place under favourable weather conditions, with sunny days and cool nights, ideal for slow, even ripening of the grapes. This year, the grapes reached good phenolic maturity, producing well-balanced juices with fine aromatic potential.
Profile of the 2023 en primeur wines in Alsace
The 2023 Alsace en primeur wines stand out for their freshness, aromatic purity and balance. The minerality is still present, but this year it is accompanied by more vibrant fruity notes, with aromas of stone fruit, white flowers and a hint of lemon. The structure of the wines is more elegant, with a fine acidity that promises good ageing potential.
Despite the contrasting climatic conditions, this vintage offers wines of great finesse, capable of seducing both when young and after a few years' ageing. A vintage to watch closely for lovers of the fine wines of Alsace.
To sum up, the 2023 vintage in Alsace looks set to be a well-balanced year, offering fresh, aromatic, well-structured wines, despite the challenges posed by marked climatic contrasts. These wines promise great complexity and long ageing potential, and enthusiasts will be sure to buy them en primeur.
En Primeur Wines – delivery in early 2026