2024 Burgundy has emerged as a surprisingly admirable vintage, despite a tumultuous growing season characterized by excessive rainfall and challenges posed by downy mildew. Sarah Marsh MW highlights the resilience of the region’s winemakers and the resulting quality of the wines.
Overview of Conditions
The year was marked by a “summer of tough love” as persistent wet conditions disrupted flowering and increased the risk of disease. Yet, by late summer, a revival of warmth and sunshine balanced the growing season, leading to grapes ripening better than initially anticipated. Harvesting began around mid-September, and the end result, particularly for the whites, has been remarkably favorable.
Quality of the Wines
Whites: The 2024 vintage is notable for its fresh and energetic whites. These wines showcase floral aromas, vibrant acidity, and a crisp minerality, making them delightful for those who prefer a lighter style over the fuller-bodied wines produced in hotter years. Despite concerns about ripeness, many winemakers produced very good village and premier cru wines that express the terroir effectively.
Reds: The red wines are more variable in quality. On the Côte de Beaune, many were charming, displaying fresh and lively profiles with beautiful red fruit notes. However, the Côte de Nuits wines, hampered by the same mildew issues, registered lighter body and texture, which can sometimes lead to inconsistency. Careful vinification and gentle extraction methods were crucial to achieving better results.
Comparisons to Previous Vintages
In terms of white wines, 2024 evokes comparisons to 2011 for balance, while displaying a crisper edge akin to 2014. The reds, particularly from the Côte de Beaune, remind some of the charm of 2017 but with less complexity. However, reds from the Côte de Nuits hearken back to 2021, yet come through with more ripeness and accessibility.
Production Techniques
Winemakers employed diverse techniques to manage their fruit, including careful selection and innovative winemaking methods to deal with the low yields and the challenges posed by the weather. Many producers adapted their traditional approaches, opting for larger barrels or stainless steel to hold the wines longer, thus improving freshness and reducing the risk of oxidation.
Conclusion
While 2024 may not be hailed as the vintage of the century, its wines have garnered respect for their quality and character in the face of adversity. The whites particularly stand out for their purity and finesse, while the reds showcase an emerging balance that will appeal to those who enjoy lighter expressions of Pinot Noir. Overall, the vintage encourages thoughtful drinking rather than long-term aging, favoring early enjoyment over protracted cellaring.
For more information about specific wines and selections from this vintage, you can delve into related articles and recommendations on the Burgundy wine experience.