Buy great Loire wines 2024 en primeur! As every year, Millésima offers the entirety of its en primeur wines sourced directly from the estates.
2024 En Primeur Wines from the Loire: A Year of Climatic Challenges
2024, a vintage shaped by capricious weather
The 2024 vintage in the Loire Valley was marked by demanding weather conditions. A mild winter led to very early budburst, followed by late frosts and hail episodes, particularly in Sancerre.
The exceptionally high rainfall in spring caused significant mildew pressure, severely affecting yields. While a break in the weather during summer allowed veraison to begin, the September rains slightly slowed down ripening. Yet, as harvest approached, the berries revealed a promising aromatic potential.
Harvest: between challenges and great aromatic potential
The 2024 harvest in the Loire Valley unfolded under complex climatic conditions, characterised by unstable weather, heavy rainfall, low sunshine, and high phytosanitary pressure.
Winegrowers had to act with responsiveness and precision, multiplying their passes through the vines and sorting grapes parcel by parcel (up to three passes in the case of dry whites) in order to pick at optimal ripeness.
The harvest, later than in previous years, began in mid-September and stretched over several weeks due to the heterogeneity of ripening depending on grape varieties, terroirs, and vineyard sectors. Fragmented and prolonged, the harvest required meticulous monitoring—essential to offset the general decrease in yields.
Profile of the 2024 En Primeur Wines from the Loire Valley
Whites: The wines display an expressive aromatic profile, blending white fruits, citrus and floral notes. Driven by vibrant acidity and moderate alcohol (around 12–12.5%), these are fruity and balanced wines, in line with the style of fresh vintages.
Reds: A bright ruby colour leads to a nose of fresh red berries. On the palate, the tannins are smooth, the structure light to medium-bodied, and the alcohol moderate (12–13%). These are indulgent and approachable red wines.
Tastings confirm a beautiful aromatic potential and immediate accessibility, while retaining the distinctive character of Loire wines.
The 2023 vintage
The 2023 vintage in the Loire began with a mild winter and a mild start to spring, favouring early budburst despite two bouts of frost in April, which only had a slight impact on the buds. With little rainfall, May was marked by hot and particularly dry weather, favouring rapid vegetative growth. Beneficial rainfall was recorded in June before the start of a summer characterised by alternating heat and drought. Despite a delay in veraison and a degree of heterogeneity in the different areas due to the hot weather, yields remained high in terms of both quality and quantity. Harvested from healthy vineyards, the grapes produced a solar, fresh, fruity vintage with a superb balance. Discover these great Loire wines today En Primeur.
