The 2024 wine vintage will be remembered as one of contrasts—a year that tested winemakers' skills whilst delivering some exceptional surprises. As we begin to see the first releases from this fascinating harvest, we've compiled a comprehensive report on what wine enthusiasts can expect from key regions around the world.
A Year of Challenges and Triumphs
The 2024 vintage across Europe was marked by extreme weather events, from spring frosts to summer heatwaves, followed by beneficial autumn conditions in many regions. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere experienced more stable conditions, though not without their own unique challenges. Overall, 2024 is shaping up to be a vintage that rewards patient winemaking and careful selection.
France: Resilience Rewarded
Bordeaux
Overall Rating: Very Good to Excellent
The 2024 Bordeaux vintage tells a story of recovery and triumph. After a challenging start with spring frost damage in some areas, particularly affecting Merlot plantings in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, the summer brought ideal conditions. July and August delivered consistent warmth without excessive heat, allowing for steady ripening.
What to Expect:
- Left Bank Cabernet Sauvignon: Exceptional concentration and structure, with harvest beginning in late September under perfect conditions
- Right Bank Merlot: Variable quality depending on frost damage, but undamaged vineyards produced wines of remarkable depth
- Dry Whites: Outstanding vintage for Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon blends, with vibrant acidity and excellent aging potential
Drinking Window: 2027-2045 for top reds, 2025-2035 for whites
Burgundy
Overall Rating: Excellent
Burgundy's 2024 vintage may prove to be one of the region's finest in recent memory. Despite early season concerns about spring frost, careful vineyard management and an exceptional September saved the day.
What to Expect:
- Pinot Noir: Elegant wines with perfect balance of fruit and acidity, reminiscent of the great 2010 vintage
- Chardonnay: Mineral-driven whites with excellent tension, particularly from Chablis and the Côte de Beaune
- Yields: Moderate yields have concentrated flavours beautifully
Drinking Window: 2026-2040 for reds, 2025-2035 for whites
Champagne
Overall Rating: Very Good
The 2024 Champagne harvest was marked by careful selection and extended hang time, resulting in wines with excellent acidity and flavour development.
What to Expect:
- Base Wines: Exceptional quality with perfect balance of ripeness and freshness
- Vintage Potential: Many houses are declaring 2024 as a vintage year
- Style: Classic Champagne character with elegant bubbles and long aging potential
Italy: A Tale of Two Seasons
Tuscany
Overall Rating: Good to Very Good
Tuscany's 2024 vintage required skillful vineyard management to navigate a hot summer followed by beneficial September rains.
What to Expect:
- Chianti Classico: Well-structured wines with good acidity, though yields were down
- Brunello di Montalcino: Promising early signs suggest powerful, age-worthy wines
- Super Tuscans: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends showing excellent concentration
Piedmont
Overall Rating: Excellent
Piedmont enjoyed one of its finest vintages in years, with ideal conditions for both Nebbiolo and Barbera.
What to Expect:
- Barolo and Barbaresco: Exceptional vintage with perfect tannin structure and aromatics
- Barbera: Vibrant, food-friendly wines with excellent acidity
- Dolcetto: Fresh, approachable wines perfect for early drinking
Veneto
Overall Rating: Very Good
The Veneto region managed the challenging 2024 conditions well, particularly in premium zones.
What to Expect:
- Amarone: Exceptional concentration from carefully selected grapes
- Prosecco: Fresh, vibrant sparkling wines with excellent balance
- Soave: Mineral-driven whites with good aging potential
Spain: Heat and Heroism
Rioja
Overall Rating: Good to Very Good
Rioja's 2024 vintage was defined by extreme summer heat, but careful vineyard management and modern winemaking techniques preserved quality.
What to Expect:
- Tempranillo: Powerful wines with good structure, though alcohol levels are elevated
- Graciano and Mazuelo: Blending varieties performed exceptionally well
- Style: More approachable young than usual, but top wines will age beautifully
Ribera del Duero
Overall Rating: Very Good
The high altitude of Ribera del Duero proved beneficial in 2024's hot conditions.
What to Expect:
- Tinto Fino: Concentrated, powerful wines with excellent aging potential
- Character: Bold, structured wines ideal for hearty cuisine
Rías Baixas
Overall Rating: Excellent
The Atlantic influence provided ideal conditions for white wine production in 2024.
What to Expect:
- Albariño: Outstanding vintage with perfect balance of fruit and acidity
- Drinking Window: 2025-2030 for optimal freshness
New World Excellence
Australia
Overall Rating: Very Good to Excellent
Australia's 2024 vintage benefited from a La Niña weather pattern, bringing cooler conditions and adequate rainfall.
Barossa Valley:
- Shiraz: Exceptional vintage with perfect ripeness and spice integration
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured wines with excellent aging potential
Margaret River:
- Cabernet Blends: Outstanding quality with bordeaux-like elegance
- Chardonnay: Mineral-driven wines with excellent balance
Clare Valley:
- Riesling: Exceptional vintage with racy acidity and pure fruit character
South Africa
Overall Rating: Very Good
South Africa's 2024 vintage was marked by moderate temperatures and careful water management.
Stellenbosch:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Well-structured wines with excellent tannin integration
- Chenin Blanc: Outstanding vintage for both dry and sweet styles
Walker Bay:
- Pinot Noir: Elegant, Burgundian-style wines with excellent aging potential
- Chardonnay: Mineral-driven wines with good acidity
Argentina
Overall Rating: Good to Very Good
Argentina's 2024 vintage faced challenges from climatic variations but produced some exceptional wines.
- Malbec: Concentrated, powerful wines from high-altitude vineyards
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Well-structured wines with good aging potential
Salta:
- Torrontés: Fresh, aromatic whites with excellent balance
- High-altitude reds: Exceptional concentration and elegance
What This Means for Wine Buyers
Investment Potential
Strong Buy Recommendations:
- Burgundy 2024 (both red and white)
- Piedmont 2024 (Barolo and Barbaresco)
- Australian Riesling 2024
- Bordeaux Left Bank 2024
Good Value Opportunities:
- Spanish reds (drink sooner but excellent value)
- South African Chenin Blanc
- Argentine Malbec
Drinking Recommendations
For Immediate Enjoyment (2025-2027):
- Spanish reds
- Italian Barbera and Dolcetto
- Australian and South African whites
- Prosecco and Cava
For Cellaring (2027-2040):
- Bordeaux reds
- Burgundy (both colours)
- Barolo and Barbaresco
- Premium Australian Shiraz
Regional Highlights by Style
Outstanding White Wine Vintage
- Burgundy Chardonnay: Exceptional minerality and aging potential
- Rías Baixas Albariño: Perfect balance and freshness
- Clare Valley Riesling: Racy acidity and pure fruit
- Chablis: Classic mineral-driven style
Exceptional Red Wine Regions
- Piedmont: Nebbiolo at its finest
- Barossa Valley: Shiraz showing perfect ripeness
- Burgundy: Elegant Pinot Noir with excellent structure
- Bordeaux Left Bank: Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends of great promise
Climate Impact and Sustainability
The 2024 vintage highlighted the ongoing impact of climate change on wine production. However, it also demonstrated the wine industry's adaptability through:
- Improved vineyard management: Better canopy management and water conservation
- Harvest timing: Earlier picking to preserve acidity and freshness
- Winemaking innovation: Temperature-controlled fermentation and gentle extraction techniques
- Varietal adaptation: Increased plantings of heat-resistant varieties
Our Buying Strategy at Friarwood
Based on this vintage analysis, we're focusing our 2024 purchases on:
- Premium Burgundy: Both red and white for long-term cellaring
- Top Bordeaux estates: Carefully selected Left Bank properties
- Piedmont Nebbiolo: Barolo and Barbaresco from top producers
- Australian icons: Clare Valley Riesling and Barossa Shiraz
- Spanish value: Well-made Rioja and Ribera del Duero for current drinking
Looking Ahead: When to Buy and Drink
First Releases (2025-2026)
- Whites: Most regions releasing 2025-2026
- Light reds: Spanish and Italian ready 2025
- Premium reds: 2027 onwards for optimal drinking
Conclusion
The 2024 vintage will be remembered as a year that tested winemakers' skills and rewarded those who rose to the challenge. Whilst not uniformly excellent across all regions, it offers exceptional opportunities for discerning wine buyers.
At Friarwood Wines, we're excited to share these wines with our customers as they become available. The vintage's diversity means there's something for every palate and budget, from immediate drinking pleasures to long-term cellaring treasures.
Keep an eye on our newsletters and website for pre-arrival offers on the best 2024 wines. This vintage promises to provide drinking pleasure for years to come, and we're here to help you navigate the best selections for your cellar.
Visit Friarwood Wines to discuss your 2024 vintage buying strategy with our experienced team. We're taking advance orders for the most sought-after releases.
