Why 2019 Red Burgundy Might Be One of the Greatest Vintages of All Time
Written by - Tom Gearing, CEO & Co-Founder - Cult Wines
Burgundy has long been defined by benchmark years like 1990, 1999, 2005 and 2010, but 2019 is quickly earning its place among them. The wines combine richness with freshness, offering depth and structure without heaviness. From entry-level Bourgogne Rouge to Grand Cru, the vintage shows impressive consistency, delivering both immediate appeal and the ability to age beautifully for decades.
What sets 2019 apart is how it reflects a new era for Burgundy. Growers and winemakers have adapted to a changing climate by employing careful vineyard practices, precise harvest timing, and refined techniques in the cellar. The result is a style that feels classically Burgundian yet distinctly modern, capturing a moment where nature and expertise aligned.
This is a vintage worth seeking out, whether you are adding bottles to your cellar or enjoying them now. Explore why 2019 is already regarded as one of the most compelling Burgundy vintages in recent history.
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News in brief
North America’s Organic Wine Market Poised to Double by 2028
New data shows North America’s organic wine market is set to grow from US$1.87 billion in 2022 to US$3.89 billion by 2028, reflecting a 13% annual growth rate. The rise is linked to shifting consumer preferences towards healthier, more sustainable choices, alongside greater disposable income. Government support, such as organic certification grants and conservation programmes, is encouraging more producers to convert. Demand spans food service, supermarkets and online platforms, with red and white wines offered in bottles, plastic and cans. Millennials remain key, especially in the US, where 30% link organic wines to high quality.
French Wine Industry Faces Worst Crisis in Decades
French wine is in the grip of what industry leaders are calling one of the most serious crises in its history. Trade bodies told French agriculture minister Annie Genevard this month that producers are facing a catastrophic mix of rising costs, full cellars and falling demand. Many applied to uproot vines in 2024 under a €120 million state scheme, with most of the remaining budget now earmarked for emergency aid to young winemakers. Further measures are under discussion as oversupply and weak consumption persist across Europe. Global wine intake in 2023 fell to its lowest level since 1961.
Warming Climate Drives Growth in English Wine
England’s wine industry is expanding rapidly as rising temperatures improve conditions for grape growing. Vineyards in the South Downs National Park have increased by 90% over the past decade, with five new sites added annually. Producers like Roebuck Estates now benefit from average temperatures similar to those of the 1980s in Champagne, which is ideal for sparkling wine. However, climate volatility poses risks, with frost, wind and heavy rain threatening crops. Experts predict a shift towards still wine production as conditions evolve. With around 4,000 hectares under vine today, Britain’s planted area could nearly double by 2032.
What we’re drinking
Henri Giraud Fût de Chêne Collection 2000
Tom Turner, Trading and Operations Director - Cult Wines
We were recently fortunate enough to enjoy a 48-hour extravaganza with Champagne Henri Giraud to celebrate 400 years of the Giraud-Hemart family. The finale of the event was an extraordinary dinner on the second night, featuring several of their brilliant cuvées. The star that shone the brightest was the Fût de Chêne Collection, Grand Cru 2000.
Mesmerisingly bright golden, retaining impressive fizz for its quarter century. The nose offers toasted almonds and pastry, with plenty of freshly baked brioche. Just a hint of apple crumble. The palate is harmoniously balanced, with rich, concentrated flavours of toasted hazelnut and ripe apple, yet still fresh and energetic. Acidity is perfect, with just a hint of minerality on a long, delightful finish.
It was a privilege to have this served alongside an exquisite meal from Philippe Mille, the head chef at 1-star Arbane in Reims, which paired beautifully with it.
Our fine wine feature
The Rise of White Burgundy: A New Era of Chardonnay Appreciation
Written by - Jessie Wu, Client Account Manager - Cult Wines
White Burgundy has surged in popularity, emerging from the shadow of its red counterparts to captivate collectors, sommeliers, and wine enthusiasts alike. Fueled by a global shift toward fresher, food-friendly wines, Burgundy’s diverse Chardonnay expressions, from the taut minerality of Chablis to the layered elegance of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, are now commanding greater attention and acclaim.
With prices for red Burgundy reaching new heights, collectors are increasingly drawn to the quality, diversity, and ageing potential of the region’s whites. As global tastes evolve and wine drinkers become more adventurous, white Burgundy is poised to continue its rise. With increasing demand and limited production, now may be the ideal time to explore, invest in, or enjoy the region’s remarkable wines. Discover five standout producers shaping this new era in our latest article.
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Explore & travel
Khvanchkara and the Vineyards Above the Clouds
Written by - Cult Wines Team
Khvanchkara, a tiny PDO in Georgia’s mountainous Racha region, is famed for its naturally semi-sweet red wine made from the rare Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. Grown on high-altitude terraces between 450 and 800 metres, the wine balances ripe berry flavours with fresh acidity and a subtle smoky edge, earning a reputation as Georgia’s “wine above the clouds.” Once a humble farmhouse drink, it rose to prominence when Stalin famously served it at the Tehran and Yalta conferences.
Today, Khvanchkara’s mix of family-run cellars and historic estates offers visitors the chance to explore its wines, hearty regional food, and stunning alpine scenery. With its limited production, vibrant mountain freshness, and deep cultural roots, it’s a destination for adventurous wine lovers seeking something truly distinct.
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