2024 with the Famille Messager-Germain
The Famille Messager-Germain vision of the 2024 vintage
The 2024 vintage from the Messager-Germain family ranks among the most challenging years in Burgundy in recent decades. Between climatic pressures, disease and historically low yields, the 2024 vintage demanded total commitment. With only 30% of the normal harvest, production is limited, but the quality of the wines is outstanding.
A challenging 2024 vintage in Burgundy
Weather conditions were marked by heavy rainfall and significant disease pressure. A total of 13 treatments were necessary, compared to an average of 7, with the last one carried out on 15 August. Some plots had to temporarily abandon organic farming in order to preserve a minimum harvest, while others, such as the vines destined for the Nuits-Saint-Georges and Côtes de Nuits appellations, produced no grapes suitable for winemaking – but remained organically farmed.
The harvest began on 18 September. All the grapes were 100% destemmed to ensure precision and aromatic purity. The ageing process was sustained, with increased use of barrels that had been used for one or two wines, without resorting to old containers.
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2024 wine style: freshness and concentration
The style of the 2024 vintage is similar to 2021 in its freshness, while offering greater richness and concentration, particularly in the red wines. For Simon and Adèle, this is a ‘vintage for technicians and winemakers’, where every decision counted.
Production is extremely limited: a single parcel in Gevrey-Chambertin and two parcels in Morey-Saint-Denis instead of the usual three... However, new appellations will be added to the estate in 2024, with the takeover of an 18-year lease in Marsannay ‘En Leautier’ (45-year-old vines) and Fixin ‘Champs des Arès’ (planted in 1973-1975). Also worth noting: Bourgogne Chardonnay has been reclassified as Fixin from this vintage onwards.
A domaine's commitment in the face of adversity
As Adèle and Simon point out:
"Our 2024 vintage was a vintage of struggle, sweat and soul-searching... The vines reminded us how essential humility is when faced with nature. "
This 2024 vintage from Messager-Germain wines is a testament to hard work, remarkable resilience and an unwavering commitment to producing sincere, authentic wines that respect their terroir.