Burgundy 2024 Fights Back: Bright Whites, Light Reds, Low ABV
Some years in wine are smooth sailing; 2024 Burgundy was a full-on paddle battle in storm surf. Rain, downy mildew, labor hurdles—the whole gnarly set—and yet the region still managed to push out wines that are not only drinkable, but in many cases, downright charming. That’s the real miracle: not the glory, but the grit.
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.
“At harvest, they thought, how the hell do we have grapes?” — Emma Sarjeant, via Wine-Searcher
The story, as reported by Wine-Searcher, reads like a marathon in muddy boots. Growers hustled dawn to dusk, hand-spraying because tractors sank, and August’s warm, dry turn basically saved the season. Whites came out ahead of reds; Chardonnay handled the chaos better than Pinot Noir. If you’re shopping, adjust expectations from cellar trophies to early-drinking pleasure.
“At harvest, they thought, how the hell do we have grapes?
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Burgundy 2024, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir—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
Whites: Think zesty, bright, saline, and refreshingly dry. Alcohols are “extremely civilized, at 12.5–13.5 percent,” and the best bottlings feel brisk rather than skinny—great for that clean, sea-breeze vibe. Reds: Aromatic, lighter-bodied, and forward, with gentle fruit and balance. Pinot’s elegance shows, but it’s more weeknight silk than decades-long velvet robe.
In winemaking, some producers used small touches of chaptalization or acidification to steady the ship, which you can occasionally taste as a nudge of brightness. That’s not scandal; it’s triage. Burgundy’s hallmark terroir still peeks through—especially in Côte de Beaune reds and village-level whites—just in a fresher, earlier-drinking register.
- Best occasion: A casual dinner party or “open a second bottle” Tuesday.
- Best pairing direction: For whites, shellfish, roast chicken, or simple salads; for reds, charcuterie, mushrooms, or lighter grilled fare.
Context: How Growers Survived a Dog of a Year
Here’s the mental picture: endless rain and mildew pressure, followed by growers grabbing every dry window to spray by hand. One merchant notes two brothers at Domaine Girard tag-teaming 16-hour spray cycles. As Nicolas Rossignol put it:
“Two days out of every three.” — Nicolas Rossignol, via Wine-Searcher
Organic and biodynamic producers had mixed outcomes; some, like Domaine de Villaine, credit long-term vineyard health, though losses still hit hard. Across the region, Chardonnay suffered 25–30 percent losses on average, while Pinot Noir was often worse—especially in parts of the Côte de Nuits. Chablis had hail, Aligoté’s thinner skins meant more losses, and yet when August heat landed, the smaller crop ripened.
Market-wise, don’t expect fireworks, but don’t expect a ghost town either. Merchants say core buyers remain active, with younger drinkers digging into Burgundy’s white complexity. Grands crus might be slower, while premier crus and village wines see more traction—smart shoppers are drifting toward value or honest everyday pleasure.
What to Buy (and Why)
If you like precision and energy, 2024 whites are your lane. Village wines from Santenay, Maranges, Monthelie, and Pernand-Vergelesses look increasingly appealing thanks to climate shifts favoring sites that used to feel lean. Chablis, Mâconnais, and Chalonnais are also strong value zones. It’s an excellent year for basic Bourgogne Blanc and Rouge from good growers—clean, early, and versatile.
Consider price dynamics: producers largely held pricing, but currency swings and higher UK excise duties may nudge costs up for some buyers. The takeaway? Aim for producers you trust, appellations with value reputations, and whites if you want the surest bet.
Reality Check and Buying Intent
Burgundy 2024 isn’t built for decades—no shame in that. It’s about composure, freshness, and the winemaker hustle. If your cellar is full of brooding grand crus, this vintage is the palate refresher: lift over heft, nuance over muscle. And if you’re new to Burgundy, this is friendlier ground—lower alcohol, early drinkability, and a chance to learn the map without taking out a second mortgage.
Final surf forecast: 2025 reportedly brings heat, drought, and another tricky curveball. For now, 2024’s lesson is simple—when nature snarls, Burgundy bites back. Choose smart, drink sooner, and let the whites lead.
Source: https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/burgundy-2024-dog-of-a-year-bites-back?rss=Y