The 2024 vintage in Burgundy can be described as a paradox. A vintage which will go down as one of the most difficult, even traumatising, vintages for Burgundian vignerons. But one that has miraculously produced some exceptional wines, albeit in tiny quantities.
The 2024 growing season was marked by a series of unfortunate events:
Winter was largely wet, yet mild, which resulted in an early budbreak leaving the vines exposed to damaging frosts and hail.
Unrelenting rain from spring to early summer created high disease pressure and in turn, rampant mildew which spread from leaves to berries almost instantaneously. This is very rare and extremely labour intensive, particularly for bio-dynamic and organic growers, who were forced to re-spray the treatments that were washed away. Devastating for yields.
Poor flowering was also a reality with the unpredictable weather during this period causing widespread coulure and millerandage, severely affecting yields. A warm and dry spell came in August which arguably saved the vintage, followed by yet more rain. Producers in the Côte de Nuits lost up to 80% of their crop, while losses of up to 40% were common in the Côte de Beaune. Some wines were not produced at all.
Despite the tumultuous growing season, winemakers that were constantly vigilant and fastidious in the vineyard were able to harvest remarkable fruit that has created classic and elegant Burgundy wines.
Due to the lighter style of the wines, alcohols are generally low for both Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, with most Domaines opting to chaptalize a little to add texture and weight. With regards to the red wines, extra careful extraction was common to maintain purity and elegance, and the use of whole bunches during fermentation was largely reduced to restrict the influence of stems. New oak was used sparingly for both the red and white wines, to maintain the transparency and terror-driven attributes of the wines.
There is consistency in the Côte de Beaune with the very best wines captivating. Vignerons based here will feel gratified knowing that the white wines of 2024 will no doubt take their place alongside the great white, Burgundy vintages of the recent past: 2008, 2010, 2014, 2017, 2020. Certain critics are suggesting that 2024 is the finest Chardonnay vintage of the past decade. Only time will tell.
Stylistically, these wines are vibrant, energetic and precise. Ethereal even. Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet are unsurprisingly standout appellations. Here you can buy with confidence.
Wines from the Côte de Nuits demand more attention, and careful selection is a must. Nevertheless, there are wines of great complexity, tremendous purity and wonderful balance. A winemaker we represent located in Morey-Saint-Denis described the 2024 vintage as 2017+, an earlier drinking vintage that is now largely applauded.
To conclude, 2024 will go down as a paradox; an agonizing growing season that produced some remarkable wines. Copious work and meticulous attention for vignerons was necessary and resulted in unprecedented decreases in yields. However, winemakers were able to produce some lovely wines, with the best, exceptional. These are classic, pure, elegant and transparent Burgundy wines which possess a wonderful balance. They will provide early drinking pleasure. Do not overlook the 2024 Burgundy vintage, the wines deserve a place at your table.
View the 2024 wines here or contact sales@nickollsandperks.co.uk to hear more