EN PRIMEUR: 2024 RHONE En Primeur
The growing season in both the north and the south was not an easy one in 2024; on that, all growers agree. There is also wide agreement that the conditions would have been considered broadly normal in the not-so-distant past, and that the wines which have been produced are beautifully classic in style. This may be a somewhat overused word, but when applied to 2024s from the Rhône Valley, it should be taken at face value – and to mean wines of precision, freshness, typicity and elegance, with more modest alcohols than has often been the case in recent years.
Winter 2025-2026 was relatively mild, apart from some early morning frosts, and with above-average rainfall. The difficulties began in the spring, when the rain continued to fall. Although this ensured good reserves of water for the summer, it caused galloping mildew in the vines, requiring far more regular treatments than would usually be the case. The cool and wet weather continued throughout May and into the first half of June, with the result that the flowering was hit by coulure (a failure of the fruit to set). All this meant a significantly reduced crop.
July began cool and windy – but finally relatively rain-free and, from the middle of the month, temperatures began to pick up. Summer weather was good: bright and dry, without excessive heat (particularly in the northern Rhône) and, thanks to the wet winter and spring, the vines did not struggle for water. In addition, there was a little rain at the end of August and in early September.
Picking took place in mainly good conditions, and the fruit that was brought in was ripe (both in terms of sugar and phenolics) and healthy. Vinifications were straightforward and the purity of expression of the wines is there for all to see. They are balanced, fine and to be commended for their silky textures in the reds, and citrus minerality in the whites.
2024 RHONE En Primeur
The growing season in both the north and the south was not an easy one in 2024; on that, all growers agree. There is also wide agreement that the conditions would have been considered broadly normal in the not-so-distant past, and that the wines which have been produced are beautifully classic in style. This may be a somewhat overused word, but when applied to 2024s from the Rhône Valley, it should be taken at face value – and to mean wines of precision, freshness, typicity and elegance, with more modest alcohols than has often been the case in recent years.
Winter 2025-2026 was relatively mild, apart from some early morning frosts, and with above-average rainfall. The difficulties began in the spring, when the rain continued to fall. Although this ensured good reserves of water for the summer, it caused galloping mildew in the vines, requiring far more regular treatments than would usually be the case. The cool and wet weather continued throughout May and into the first half of June, with the result that the flowering was hit by coulure (a failure of the fruit to set). All this meant a significantly reduced crop.
July began cool and windy – but finally relatively rain-free and, from the middle of the month, temperatures began to pick up. Summer weather was good: bright and dry, without excessive heat (particularly in the northern Rhône) and, thanks to the wet winter and spring, the vines did not struggle for water. In addition, there was a little rain at the end of August and in early September.
Picking took place in mainly good conditions, and the fruit that was brought in was ripe (both in terms of sugar and phenolics) and healthy. Vinifications were straightforward and the purity of expression of the wines is there for all to see. They are balanced, fine and to be commended for their silky textures in the reds, and citrus minerality in the whites.
Richard Berkley-Matthews,
4th March 2026.
DOWNLOAD PDF