The 1982 vintage

by Julie Berteloot 4 March 2025

4 March 2025 681 views

All, winegrowers and oenologists, agree that the 1982 vintage is an exceptional vintage. The sometimes violent rains and storms are more frightening than harmful and are not accompanied by hail. A stroke of luck for the vines. The 1982 vintage has its own style and is comparable to the greatest vintages of the post-war period such as 1945, 1947, 1949, 1953 and 1961. It stands out for its large number of Grands Vins.

Discover the wines of 1982

Bordeaux :

The weather conditions are very good with a dry and mild spring without frost. The flowering is excellent from the end of May, the summer is hot and dry. Some rain and storms appear but do not penalize the vines. Overall, everything comes together for an excellent vintage. The vintage is voluminous and quantitative compared to previous vintages. The selection of grapes is not difficult, the wines are warm and supple. The reds are characterized by aromas of candied fruits, they are still well balanced in the mouth, structured and fat. Exceptional wines.

The dry whites are distinguished by their acacia aromas. The sweet ones benefit from good over-ripening and the noble rot helps them to be of good quality. They reveal floral aromas, dried fruits, candied grapes and honey. The vintage being more than conducive to great wines, it is difficult to make second wines despite the demand.

Bourgogne :

The winter is mild and follows a very beautiful spring. The first flowers appear at the end of May and the summer is beautiful. The occasional showers do not have a strong impact on the vines and the quantity is abundant which even causes dilution. The wines are very slightly acidic with a “natural degree” of alcohol. The reds are very good but uneven due to dilution. The wines are ripe but have poor aging potential due to a lack of concentration and acidity. The white wines are, for their part, seductive. Some are very good, characterful, mature and tasty. However, the slight lack of acidity does not allow them to keep for long.

Champagne :

A new production record is reached with 14,000 kilos of grapes per hectare. The vintage is characterized by its balance throughout the region. The wines are fruity and elegant but not always very powerful depending on the vintage. They have the structure of great wines. The alternation of hot months and some rain allows the grapes to swell well. Some lack a little acidity but the greatest champagnes, well balanced, continue to improve in bottles. The vintage is rare and is difficult to find on the market.

Vallée du Rhône

Fermentations are capricious in the region. The greatest, like those of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, are silky and complex. This is not found in all the other appellations of the valley. Most of the wines of the northern valley are light, dull and diluted. On the southern side, the wines are rather successful.