The 2024 Chablis harvest faces extreme weather challenges, leading to significant crop losses and unique wine characteristics.
In late September, grape pickers in Chablis, France, were working hard to pick the last Chardonnay grapes for the Domaine Roland Lavantureux winery’s Premier Cru wine.
This year’s harvest, the 2024 “millesime,” was expected to be smaller due to the unusually wet season and extreme weather conditions, including frost, hail, heavy rain, and a harmful fungus.
The Lavantureux brothers, David and Arnaud, faced significant challenges in fighting the fungus, which could lead to a 60 to 65% loss in their vineyard’s yield.
Despite the difficulties, they are hopeful that the unique conditions will result in a Premier Cru wine with distinct characteristics.
Chablis vineyards in the northern Bourgogne region, known for their ideal climate of cold winters, warm summers, and moderate rainfall, are facing challenges due to climate change.
The area is experiencing milder weather, more rain, and spring frosts, which are unusual for the region.
These changes, including frost damage, have caused financial problems for vineyards, with some frost events linked to climate change.
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— IdeallyaNews (@IdeallyaNews) September 29, 2024
Winemakers are trying new methods to cope, like delaying pruning to avoid early bud bursts and protecting grapes from heat.
They also use expensive techniques such as warming vines with candles or electric heat, or spraying water on buds to create a protective ice layer.
Despite these efforts, the region still faces severe hailstorms, which can damage crops.
However, the Lavantureux family, who own Chablis vineyards, are hopeful that the successful harvests of 2022 and 2023 will help offset the losses from the less productive 2024 crop.
The demand for Chablis wine, especially in the U.S., remains strong, with exports to the U.S. increasing by 19% in the U.S. market.
Arnaud Lavantureux, a vineyard owner, has moved on from the challenges of this year and is now preparing for the next harvest.
