The 2024 Burgundy vintage faced an exceptionally difficult growing season, impacted severely by unfavorable weather conditions, including persistent rain, frost, and hail. These challenges led to a significant decrease in grape yields across the region. Despite the hardships, the quality of the remaining grapes and the expertise of winemakers provided a glimmer of hope for a satisfactory vintage.
Ludivine Griveau, régisseur of the Domaine des Hospices de Beaune, highlighted the unique nature of this vintage in her report. After years of efforts toward organic certification, the 2024 vintage marked a poignant milestone, albeit underwhelmed by adverse weather. Griveau expressed a sense of resilience, recognizing the opportunity to learn from the challenges faced within the evolving complexities of winemaking. She emphasized the unpredictable journey and transformations this unusual vintage catalyzed.
The Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB) corroborated that the growing conditions were troubling, characterized by above-average rainfall leading to heightened disease pressure on crops. The season commenced with an early budbreak in March, but subsequent late frosts and hail caused significant losses, especially in Chablis, where yields were drastically reduced. As harvesting began in mid-September, maintainable alcohol levels were lowered, enforcing strict sorting practices to ensure quality wine.
The Hospices de Beaune charity auction, held in November, showcased the results of this challenging year. The event attracted bidders worldwide, raising more than €15 million for various charitable causes. The auction succeeded in presenting 51 cuvées, despite the season’s yield challenges, marking a remarkable achievement for the domain.
The notable sales included barrels of Bâtard-Montrachet reaching record prices, bringing both relief and a sense of cautious optimism amidst the industry’s fluctuations. The focus of this year’s auction veered from grand crus to highlight the significance of the premier crus, symbolizing a return to the domain’s historical roots and values.
Overall, while the 2024 Burgundy vintage is underscored by its challenges, it is met with a robust spirit among winemakers, dedicated to navigating the trials imposed by nature, and a commitment to producing wines of high quality.