Burgundy 2024: Cool, Cellar-Worthy Whites; Light, Mixed Reds
File this under good news/bad news—then pour yourself a sensible glass. Steen Öhman of Winehog has done the rounds on Burgundy’s 2024s and, spoiler alert, there’s a split decision: whites are looking cool and composed, reds lean light and early-drinking. If you buy with intent, this vintage can make sense; if you chase cellar trophies, maybe save your energy (and budget) for the next set.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another headline—it’s a signal of where the wine news is headed. Paying attention now could save you money, introduce you to your next favorite bottle, or simply make you the most interesting person at your next dinner party.
“the whites are very good considering the conditions … and are definitely a vintage for drinking and even cellaring.” —Steen Öhman, Winehog
That’s the headline for Chardonnay lovers. Meanwhile, the Pinot Noir message is more measured.
“The reds are a mixed bag … with some good and even attractive wines.” —Steen Öhman, Winehog
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Burgundy 2024, vintage report, Chardonnay—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Style Snapshot: What Burgundy 2024 Tastes Like
White Burgundy (Chardonnay) in 2024 leans dry, fresh, and classically styled. Expect medium body, higher acidity, and that “coolness” Öhman highlights—think crisp orchard fruit, mineral edges, and less opulence than warmer years. In a world of increasingly ripe vintages, this kind of balance is rare—and frankly welcome.
Red Burgundy (Pinot Noir) is lighter-bodied, restaurant-friendly, and meant for the table, not necessarily the cellar. Charming fruit, softer tannins, and a quaffable vibe should make these reds easy company. Öhman notes that many “permitted tricks and trickeries” were used to steady the ship—chaptalization, acid adjustments, the usual triage when nature plays hardball—and cautions against long-term aging.
“You can put lipstick on a pig …” —Steen Öhman, Winehog
Translation: smart winemaking can rescue drinkability, but it won’t magically create a long-aging Pinot from a challenging year.
Context: Burgundy Being Burgundy
For Chardonnay, Burgundy thrives when conditions allow purity—clean fruit, tension, and site expression. The region’s best village and premier cru whites often shine in cooler years, with acidity driving complexity over time. Öhman’s take squares with that common wisdom: 2024 whites have the freshness to drink well now and, in the right hands, to cellar a bit.
Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is famously transparent to vintage. Lighter years can deliver graceful, delightful wines—but they’re usually at their best in the first 5-7 years, not 15. Öhman’s framing—“nice light vintage that can supply good drinking”—feels right for what Burgundy lovers call café Pinots: bottles that charm without asking for a dissertation.
He also drops a teaser: “2025 is a great vintage it seems.” —Steen Öhman, Winehog. So, if you’re prioritizing cellar picks, consider buying strategically in 2024 (smart whites, value reds) and earmark budget for 2025.
Buying Guidance (So You Don’t Surf the Wrong Wave)
- Whites (Chardonnay): Aim for producers who emphasize purity and precision. Village and premier cru bottlings with a track record for tension and mineral drive should be safe. Style: dry, medium-bodied, crisp acid, mineral and citrus-leaning.
- Reds (Pinot Noir): Look for charming, honest wines priced for early consumption. Bistro or restaurant selections will shine. Style: light to medium body, red fruit, soft tannins, drink now to mid-term.
Best Occasion + Pairing Direction
- Best occasion (Whites): Aperitif hour into seafood dinner; or a “Tuesday night but fancy” vibe.
- Pairing direction (Whites): Briny/savory—oysters, grilled white fish, lemony roast chicken. Keep it clean and fresh.
- Best occasion (Reds): Casual gatherings, wine bars, and by-the-glass nights where conversation wins.
- Pairing direction (Reds): Earthy and umami—mushrooms, roast poultry, charcuterie; avoid heavy sauces that overwhelm.
Closing Takeaway
Öhman’s read is pragmatic and helpful: buy 2024 whites with confidence, focus on purity; pick 2024 reds for immediate enjoyment and value. Don’t force cellaring on wines that weren’t built for it. Burgundy keeps us humble, and 2024 is that lesson in a bottle—less flex, more charm. And if you’re a planner, let 2025 be your big cellar year.
