▻ En Primeur Bordeaux 2024 – The Weather

Let's Talk About

5 Apr

Written By Sarah Kemp

In conversation with Jane Anson

Episode Summary:-

The week before Jane Anson starts her three weeks of tasting the 2024 Bordeaux vintage, she spends time looking at the data on weather and yields which has helped form the vintage; she calls it “her homework.” In the first of our En Primeur Bordeaux 2024 Reports, Sarah Kemp talks with Jane about the weather conditions that made the 2024 vintage. Looking at the statistics makes for difficult reading, with some very challenging conditions noted for vintners. Jane explains how it was one of the wettest winters since 2000 (as a guide, her tomatoes and peppers never ripened at her home in Bordeaux).

Terroir is key to how the wines will do, she says, and quotes Alexander Van Beek of Château Giscours, who told her, “This was the year that reminds us of what gravel was for.” Jane discusses how various soils may have coped, and says that she expects a classic style with alcohol levels around 13 -13.5%. The cool nights will have helped the aromatics, and Sarah notes how vintages which are written off often surprise.

While it was a tough year for the winemakers, both Jane and Sarah are looking forward to tasting the vintage, as there are always some brilliant wines. “The one hugely important thing this year is there will be reasonable prices,” Jane predicts, which will mean that people who can’t normally afford the bigger names may have a chance. “Priced sensibly, we might find some bargains.”