Burgundy’s 2024 vintage is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in decades, as the region grapples with a growing season marked by difficult weather conditions. The Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB) has reported that yields could be reduced by up to 25% in certain areas of Burgundy and Beaujolais.
This decrease is due to a combination of extreme rainfall, frost, hail, and increased disease pressure, particularly from mildew. However, despite these challenges, there remains cautious optimism about the quality of the vintage, thanks to warm and dry conditions in August that have supported grape ripening.
Weather Woes: Rain, Frost, and Disease
Since April, Burgundy has experienced unusual weather patterns that have placed significant strain on the vineyards. Rainfall has been up to 50% higher than average, exacerbating the conditions for mildew and other fungal diseases. The high humidity created a perfect environment for these pathogens, and winegrowers had to increase their vineyard work, employing additional pruning to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of infections. Despite their efforts, mildew outbreaks have been widespread, further diminishing yields.
Adding to the growers’ struggles were intense, localised frost events in the spring and hailstorms during the summer, which damaged the vines and further reduced crop potential. Florent Latour, general manager of Maison Louis Latour, called it “the most complicated season” he has witnessed in nearly 50 years.
Positive Outlook Amid Challenges
Although the growing season has been fraught with difficulty, there is still hope for the 2024 vintage. The warm, dry conditions that prevailed throughout August were a welcome relief, allowing the grapes to ripen more fully after a challenging summer. According to the BIVB, grape monitoring revealed a promising balance of sugar and acidity, which could lead to high-quality wines if the harvest is managed carefully.
The timing of the harvest is critical in such a difficult year. The BIVB has emphasized that meticulous picking and careful grape selection will be essential to preserve the quality potential of the vintage. Despite the reduced yields, some producers remain optimistic, citing the well-ripened fruit and ideal sugar-acid ratios in both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
Harvesting Amid Uncertainty
The harvest began on September 2nd with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for Crémant de Bourgogne, followed by Pinot Noir for still wines a week later. As growers move through the vineyards, they are carefully adjusting the timing to ensure optimal ripeness, balancing the need to protect the grapes from further disease pressure with the desire to capture the essence of the vintage.
The arrival of autumn weather, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, has added another layer of complexity to the harvest, making precise timing and grape selection even more important. For now, dry conditions since mid-September have allowed fruit ripening to continue, giving growers hope that the grapes will develop the necessary concentration and balance.
Long-Term Impact of Climate Change
The 2024 growing season is a stark reminder of the effects of climate change on viticulture. Burgundy, like many wine regions, has seen an increase in extreme weather events over the past decade, forcing producers to adapt their vineyard management strategies. Hail, frost, and disease are becoming more frequent challenges, and growers are using techniques such as leaf thinning and adjusting vineyard loads to ensure that grapes ripen properly despite the difficulties.
This shift is forcing Burgundy’s wine community to rethink their traditional approaches. While the region has long been celebrated for producing some of the world’s finest wines, the need for adaptation is now more urgent than ever. Producers are focused not just on short-term fixes but on long-term resilience in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.
Quality Over Quantity
The reduced yields of 2024 will undoubtedly pose economic challenges for Burgundy’s winemakers. However, quality remains the priority. Many producers are hopeful that the vintage will reflect the care and expertise that went into managing the difficult conditions. By carefully selecting grapes and maintaining strict standards in the winery, they believe they can produce wines that still showcase the elegance, complexity, and balance that Burgundy is known for.
As the harvest continues, the decisions made in the vineyard and winery will ultimately determine the success of the 2024 vintage. While the quantity of wine produced may be lower, the dedication of Burgundy’s winemakers to upholding quality ensures that the wines of this challenging year will still capture the region’s unique character.
Source: Vinetur