October 04, 2024
2024 Harvest Report – Peter Crawford
I have recently returned from a week in Champagne during the primary picking period of this year’s harvest and, whilst these wines will not be ready for consumption anytime soon, it’s always nice to get a glimpse into the future to see what we can look forward to…
An Inauspicious Start
Based on weather from the summer, I have to say that I was not overly hopeful. Excess rain brought mildew and rot, with some organic producers spending more time amongst the vines than ever before, and employing any permitted methods at their disposal to try and save their grapes.
Despite this, I have to say, that all the freshly pressed must I sampled showed pleasing potential and early signs point to an exciting vintage year!
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The Pick of the Bunch
Having visited a couple of producers in the heart of the Marne, it looks as if Meunier has fared well, especially in vineyards on the North bank that benefit primarily from warm southerly exposition. There could be some great cuvées coming through, although not everyone will have success.
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Chardonnay is complex and variable across the appellation. I tasted some exciting must in the Côte des Blancs, although moving further south into the Sézanne, less so.
In my eyes it is Pinot Noir that’s the big success story, especially in the Montage de Reims. There was real energy and brightness with good sugar levels and a sense of tension I’ve not seen since 2019. Exciting!
Sadly, the Aube as a whole is the real loser, with most producers reporting devastating losses and really challenging selection at harvest for all grape varieties.
In Summary
It’s important to note that this is just a snapshot of a handful of producers I visited across a small selection of villages, but the general picture is one of positivity and results that have exceeded expectations. I look forward to tasting the Vin Clair in Spring for a clearer picture of what we can expect in late 2026 (NV release) and 2028 (vintage release).
