Burgundy 2024 Vintage: Where the Whites Win and Reds Charm Early
Every vintage has a personality, and Burgundy’s 2024 feels like that friend who brings killer white wines to the picnic and a few light reds that taste best with a chill and a plate of charcuterie. Based on Steen Öhman’s round-up on Winehog, the takeaway is straightforward: whites look strong and cellar-worthy, while reds lean toward immediate pleasure rather than long-term glory.
Why This Matters
Behind every great bottle is a story, and this one matters. It reflects broader trends shaping how wine is made, sold, and enjoyed. Stay curious—your palate will thank you.
Öhman doesn’t mince words: “the whites are very good considering the conditions.” — Steen Öhman, Winehog. For the reds, he adds, “for cellaring the reds? I don’t see the point.” — Steen Öhman, Winehog. That’s not shade—it’s a practical read on style and intent.
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: burgundy, 2024 vintage, chardonnay—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Style Snapshot: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2024
Region: Burgundy (Bourgogne). Grapes: Chardonnay for whites, Pinot Noir for reds—classic, iconic, and fussy in tricky years.
Whites (Chardonnay): Dry, cool-toned, and classically Burgundian in feel. Expect freshness and purity to be the headline—think brisk acidity and clean lines rather than opulent weight. Öhman notes that the whites “have the coolness … rare in these days and years.” — Steen Öhman, Winehog. That suggests wines that aren’t chasing ripeness, which is great for balance and longevity.
Reds (Pinot Noir): Light-bodied to medium at most, with an emphasis on early drinking. The phrasing from Winehog points to a “nice light vintage” that suits restaurants and casual enjoyment. In plain English: open, enjoy, repeat—don’t overthink the cellar plans.
Context: Burgundy’s Reality Check
It’s no secret Burgundy can swing from racy to plush depending on the year. Chardonnay here is famed for precision and minerality when conditions favor coolness. Pinot Noir, meanwhile, thrives on delicacy and perfume—but leans fragile in tough vintages. 2024 sounds like a save-the-day campaign in the reds. Öhman writes, “all permitted tricks and trickeries have been used to save the vintage.” — Steen Öhman, Winehog. Translation: lots of smart, legitimate winemaking choices to coax quality out of challenging raw material.
None of this spells doom. It sets expectations. If you typically buy red Burgundy to sit tight for a decade, 2024 isn’t your bullseye. But if you love that vibrant “vin de soif” energy—silky, lighter, joyful—this is your lane. And for whites, there’s real upside: purity plus tension equals drink-now satisfaction and credible cellaring prospects.
How to Buy and Pair 2024 Burgundy
Best occasion (Whites): Sunny weekend lunches, seafood-forward dinners, or the “I want something classy but not showy” moment. Cellar a few—these have the balance to evolve.
Best pairing direction (Whites): Lean into freshness—oysters, sushi, lemony roast chicken, or simply good olive oil and salt on grilled vegetables.
Best occasion (Reds): Bistro nights, charcuterie boards, weeknight pastas, and restaurant by-the-glass adventures. Cool lightly and pour generously.
Best pairing direction (Reds): Think savory and simple—mushroom pasta, roast poultry, paté, and salty cheeses. Avoid heavy sauces that can overshadow lighter structure.
Why This Matters for Your Cellar (and Tuesday Night)
Plenty of Burgundy lovers chase the long-haul reds. 2024 asks us to flex—the joy here is immediate. Whites bring that crystalline posture we crave in cooler vintages, and reds deliver friendly, charming drinking without the need for patience. As Öhman says, “This is a nice light vintage that can supply good drinking.” — Steen Öhman, Winehog. If 2025 truly shapes up great (as hinted), then 2024 whites can bridge your cellar nicely, while the reds keep your table lively in the meantime.
Bottom line: trust Burgundy’s classic grapes to do what they do best in their lane. Chardonnay wears its cool, precise suit and merits space in your cellar. Pinot Noir slips on the casual jacket, perfect for restaurants, picnics, and low-fuss nights at home.
Sometimes the best vintage is the one you actually open.
Original source and quotes: Steen Öhman on Winehog – with a passion.
