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4.57/5

Rhone Valley En-Primeur wines 2024 & 2023 : Key Points

Rhône Wines En Primeur: the 2024 Vintage to Discover

2024, a vintage shaped by unpredictable weather

The 2024 vintage was defined by demanding weather conditions. A mild, dry winter triggered early budburst, followed by a rainy spring that encouraged coulure and downy mildew, especially affecting Grenache. Late frost in April and several hail episodes also struck. Fortunately, summer was warm but not extreme, dry, and ventilated by the mistral wind, which promoted even ripening. Thanks to water reserves, no drought-related stress was observed. Veraison, though slightly delayed, unfolded under good conditions, with healthy berries.

Harvest 2024: late but high in quality!

Harvesting began in early September for the whites, nearly a week later than average, and continued through mid-September for the reds, making 2024 a relatively late vintage.

The harvest was fragmented and carefully monitored, with each parcel picked at optimal ripeness to preserve the freshness and aromatic expression of the grape varieties. Despite the return of sunshine in August and early September, yields were low—a direct consequence of the spring’s climatic challenges.

Profile of the En Primeur Wines from the Rhône

Whites: Lively, pure and taut, with pronounced acidity and moderate alcohol. Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier deliver floral and mineral profiles, with great drinkability.

Reds: Balanced, fresh, aromatic and deeply colored, they combine concentration with acidity. The tannins are ripe and silky, providing a fine structure. The style, more digestible than solar vintages, offers excellent ageing potential—particularly in Cornas, Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph.

2023 En Primeur wines in the Rhône Valley: the sublime expression of terroirs

The 2023 vintage in the Rhône Valley was marked by extreme weather conditions, but thanks to careful management of the vines, it was possible to obtain very precise en primeur wines. The region's flagship appellations, including Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Condrieu, Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas, all produced complex wines combining concentration, freshness and elegance.

Weather favouring a balanced vintage

After a relatively mild winter, the spring of 2023 in the Rhône Valley was marked by rainfall that replenished the soil's water reserves, ensuring good vegetative development. The summer saw some intense heat waves, but they were less prolonged than in previous years, which helped to limit water stress in many plots. The cool nights, particularly in the northern part of the vineyard, played a crucial role in preserving the acid and aromatic balance of the grapes. Ripening was slow, favouring optimum concentration of aromas and tannins.

The harvest got underway in ideal weather conditions, with sunny days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to be picked over several weeks.

Characteristics of the 2023 Rhône Valley en primeur wines

The red wines of this vintage, particularly those from Saint-Joseph, Hermitage and Cornas, stand out for their concentration and freshness. The tannins are ripe but fine, giving a fine structure without heaviness. Aromas of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), pepper and liquorice mingle with more floral notes, typical of northern terroirs. These wines have excellent ageing potential, with a complexity that will develop over the years.

In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the reds are powerful, with generous mouthfeel and silky tannins. The acidity, which is very much in evidence despite the hot summer, brings a welcome freshness, balancing out the richness of the wines. Yields, although slightly lower than normal in some plots, produced concentrated, high-quality juices.

The early white wines of the Rhône Valley, particularly those from Condrieu and Crozes-Hermitage, are outstanding for their balance between aromatic richness and tension. The Condrieu wines, made from the Viognier grape variety, reveal aromas of stone fruit (apricot, peach) and white flowers, with a freshness on the palate that promises a fine evolution. The Crozes-Hermitage whites are sharper, with notes of citrus, flowers and subtle minerality, offering a straightforward, elegant structure

2023 En Primeur wines to delight lovers of character and elegance

The 2023 vintage in the Rhône Valley promises to be a great one, perfectly expressing the diversity of the region's terroirs. The reds, both powerful and well-balanced, and the whites, both aromatic and fresh, offer excellent ageing potential while still being accessible when young.