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Vintage 2024 in Bourgogne: Modest Yield, Quality Sealed

15/10/2024

Vintage 2024

In Bourgogne, as in much of France, this year has been marked by atypical weather patterns with rainfall far exceeding the seasonal averages. In addition, localized but severe frost and hail episodes have compounded the challenges.

Such conditions heightened disease pressure, necessitating tremendous effort throughout the growing season to preserve the crop. The grape harvest, later than in recent years, wrapped up at the end of September. While yields were significantly reduced, the level of grape maturity and the skill of the winemakers suggest a promising vintage.

This year has been grueling for both the people and the vines. The unusual weather of 2024 demanded constant vigilance, relentless work, and compromises up until harvest. Agility and perseverance were essential to stay the course until the very last days.

An Early Budbreak…

Following an unseasonably mild end to winter, the first signs of budbreak were seen in early-ripening Chardonnay plots around March 22nd—earlier than usual.

However, a slight cooling period from March 23rd to 27th slowed vine growth. The return of warmer-than-average temperatures, particularly over the Easter weekend, then encouraged steady development.

… Followed by a Sharp Drop in Temperatures

The warm weather during the first half of April stimulated vegetative growth, with the vines rapidly progressing from the green tip stage (April 1st) to 3-4 or 4-5 unfurled leaves in just two weeks. Unfortunately, this early development left the vines vulnerable to frost, as the cotton stage no longer protected the buds.

Starting in mid-April, temperatures plummeted. After more than a week of battling these recurrent frosts, multiple vineyard areas suffered damage, some more severely than others, notably in Clunisois, Couchois, and Maranges.


Hail Struck in May

In May, hailstorms dealt a hard blow to growers, beginning with a devastating storm in Chablis on May 1st (impacting nearly 2,000 hectares of vineyards, including several Chablis Grand Cru and Premier Cru Climats).

This was only the beginning of a long series of hail events: May, June, July, and early August saw varying degrees of impact across the Côte d'Or, Châtillonnais, Chablis, southern Mâconnais, and Beaujolais.

Fortunately, after the chilly start to May, sunny weather returned by mid-month, allowing the vines to resume vigorous growth.


A Reduced Crop Potential from the Start of Flowering

As a result, the very first flowers appeared in early June in the earliest sectors, with mild temperatures promoting a rapid flowering phase. However, in less advanced areas (southern Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise), a return of cooler weather slowed this crucial stage.

It took a sharp rise in temperatures starting around June 17th to complete flowering in most regions. The midpoint of flowering was estimated around June 13th, similar to 2019 or 2021.

Under these conditions, flower fertilization was partial, already signaling a reduction in the future harvest volume. Coulure (poor fruit set) and millerandage (uneven grape size) were observed in many areas, resulting in smaller, well-ventilated clusters—a factor that would turn out to be an asset later.


A Ripening Process Under Intense Scrutiny

A pattern of alternating sunny periods and intense rainy-stormy episodes repeated week after week, and the grape clusters followed suit.

The very first berries began to change color in the Côte d'Or around July 20th. By the end of the month, all clusters, across all varieties and regions, had closed. Veraison (the onset of ripening) began under intense heat and high humidity.

These conditions imposed a frantic pace and constant vigilance on the growers to manage their vineyards, prevent disease spread, and control grass growth. The persistent humidity since spring was particularly conducive to downy mildew, which continued to weaken the vines from flowering onward, steadily reducing yields.


August Comes to the Rescue!

Fortunately, the warm and relatively dry weather in August helped restore the situation, providing good conditions for ripening. The dry spell allowed mildewed grapes to dry out, making sorting during the harvest easier.

However, caution remained essential, as more autumnal conditions set in by late August and persisted through the first week of September. Expert judgment was crucial to determine the optimal harvest date to ensure ideal quality.

The harvest began on September 2nd for Pinot Noir plots destined for Crémant de Bourgogne production. The still wine harvest started on September 12th under bright sunshine, allowing each parcel to reach optimal ripeness.

The fruits of our labours are finally here. Even if the harvest volume has been reduced by the vagaries of the weather, to an extent that is difficult to quantify at present, quality should still be high. Growers unanimously report that while sorting was stringent and the harvest swift due to the limited quantities, the musts and wines in the cellar are promising, even if alcohol levels are lower than in recent years. Now the focus shifts to the cellar, where the real magic will take place.

The first tastings, ahead of the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction, should confirm the great potential of the particularly challenging year.

Contact
Cécile Mathiaud - Head of PR at the BIVB
Phone: +33 (0)6 08 56 85 56 cecile.mathiaud@bivb.com

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