Burgundy’s 2024 Vintage: A Classic Return Amidst Challenges
After a marathon five weeks of tasting from Chablis to the Mâconnais, Burgundy winemakers are reflecting on a challenging but ultimately promising 2024 vintage. Marked by unusual weather patterns and significantly reduced yields, the 2024 wines offer a return to classic Burgundian characteristics, standing in contrast to the riper vintages becoming increasingly common. This report examines the key aspects of the 2024 vintage, drawing on insights from recent tastings and industry reports.
A Challenging Growing Season
The 2024 growing season in Burgundy was defined by persistent rainfall and demanding conditions. As noted by Neil Beckett in World of Fine Wine, the year tested the resilience of vignerons, demanding adaptability and stoicism. The Berry Bros. & Rudd report highlights that this was a season that will be remembered by growers for its trials and tribulations.
Côte de Beaune Shines
Despite the difficulties, the 2024 vintage has yielded particularly successful results in the Côte de Beaune. According to Berry Bros. & Rudd, areas like Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Savigny-lès-Beaune, and Santenay produced excellent red wines. This contrasts with recent vintages where the Côte de Nuits often took center stage.
Vintage Characteristics
The 2024 vintage is characterized by modest alcohol levels, bright acidity, and cool fruit profiles. These qualities set it apart from warmer vintages and align with the classic style of Burgundy. The wines exhibit great energy and purity, with the challenging growing season bringing the identity of each village and vineyard into sharper focus. Justerini & Brooks describes the vintage as “high fidelity,” producing charming reds and sculpted whites.
Yields and Availability
One significant challenge of the 2024 vintage is the dramatically reduced yield. Growers in the Côte de Nuits and Chablis reported yields of under one-third of a normal crop. This scarcity will likely impact availability and potentially drive up prices, as noted by multiple sources. Atlas Fine Wines Limited points out that the low yield may be a saving grace for merchants with strong allocations of red Burgundy.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Vintage
While the 2024 vintage offers a return to classic Burgundian style, the 2025 vintage is shaping up to be different. The Berry Bros. & Rudd report suggests that the 2025 wines will likely fall into the category of “new-style” vintages, with smaller production. This makes the 2024 vintage a rare opportunity to enjoy wines from an old-fashioned growing season crafted with modern techniques.
The 2024 Wines: A Summary
The 2024 Burgundy vintage represents a classic, throwback style. The wines are characterized by their freshness, purity, and expression of terroir. While yields are low, the quality is high, particularly in the Côte de Beaune. Collectors and enthusiasts should seek out these wines as a unique expression of Burgundy’s potential.
Worth a look