Vintage 2020 — The Third Hot Summer in a Row

Heat as the New Normal

2020 was the third warm-dry year in a row after 2018 and 2019. What was still considered an exception ten years ago has become the new normal: early flowering, hot summer, harvest in September instead of October. The Champagne region — historically one of the coolest wine-growing regions in the world — is feeling climate change directly.

The summer of 2020 was consistently warm, with some heat spikes in August. Unlike 2019, there were fewer extreme record temperatures, but the cumulative warmth over the entire growing season was high. Harvest began in mid-August — earlier than in most previous years.

What distinguished 2020 from 2018 and 2019: There was more rainfall, especially in early summer. This resulted in less drought stress and — crucially — somewhat better acidity levels than in the two previous years.

Style of the Vintage

2020 continues the series of warm vintages but shows more balance than expected:

• Ripe fruit — Yellow peach, apricot, honeydew melon
• Moderate acidity — More than 2019, less than 2016
• Creamy texture — Round, supple, almost buttery
• Richness — Broad mouthfeel, rich aromas
• Elegance in the background — The best 2020s have a finesse that surprises

The grape varieties reacted differently: Chardonnay preserved a mineral base thanks to the chalk soils — Blanc de Blancs from 2020 can be surprisingly fresh. Pinot Noir was powerful and concentrated, with ripe tannins. Pinot Meunier delivered lush, almost tropical champagnes.

My Tastings

21 champagnes from 2020 — my third-most tasted vintage. This is because 2020 is currently the vintage that many growers are bringing to market as their latest Millésimé bottling.

What surprised me: The consistency of quality. Where I would have expected outliers on the downside among 21 champagnes, I found consistently solid to outstanding wines. Champagne growers have learned to deal with warm conditions — earlier harvest, gentler pressing, more targeted selection.

I was particularly impressed by the Blanc de Blancs from the Côte des Blancs — here you can see how the chalky-cool soils can preserve a mineral freshness even in warm years. And the rosés were especially successful in 2020: concentrated color, intense fruit, silky tannins.

2020 is a vintage that perfectly illustrates the climate change debate in Champagne. Yes, the wines are warmer in style than they were 20 years ago. But no, that doesn't mean they're worse. Different, yes. Worse? No. The best 2020s are among the most generous and accessible champagnes I know.

Drinking Window and Outlook

Most 2020s are ready to drink now — the soft acidity and ripe fruit make long waiting unnecessary. Anyone who likes champagne young and fruity will find their ideal vintage in 2020. Aging is worthwhile especially for the Prestige Cuvées and the best Blanc de Blancs — they have enough substance for 10-15 years of development.

Posts