By Rene Garansky
Why is the 2024 vintage a great starting point for your en primeur journey
As you’re reading this article I will start with a bold assumption — you like Burgundy. Whether you drink it with keen passion, have favourite grape varieties or appellations, or have even delved into the world of production methods, you’re in the right place. But when terms like en primeur in conjunction with a clustered map of the Côte d’Or come around, confusion abounds. I’m not surprised! Understanding the intricacies of each village from this most famous of wine-producing regions is no easy feat! But do not despair. In this brief guide I will attempt to shine light on these terms and make a positive case for buying Burgundy en primeur.
To start, grape varieties make it somewhat easier for us to get to grips with the region, as the vast
majority of Burgundy’s crus are dominated by either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Although
encountering the world of “terroir” and microclimates is intimidating, when choosing a particular
village or sub-region to focus on, just follow your nose (and tastebuds) — there are no wrong answers.
Domaine François Carillon
If you generally prefer white wines, welcome to Côte de Beaune! Here you will find some of the world’s most renowned white wine vineyards (think Montrachet and co.), with perennial favourites like Domaine François Carillon, as well as outstanding value in the hidden slopes of Saint-Aubin, or vineyards encircling the historic town of Beaune. Moving further south, don’t discount the Aligoté grown in Côte Chalonnaise, where some of the finest producers devote a huge amount of attention to this ancient variety — none other than Aubert de Villaine was instrumental in creating an Aligoté-only Bouzeron appellation, with his passion for this variety represented in Domaine de Villaine.
Domaine de Villaine
If red wine tickles your fancy, a great place to start is the Côte de Nuits. Marsannay — a small village whose vineyards border the outskirts of Dijon — is at the northern end of the appellation. Interesting fact — Marsannay is the only village appellation in Burgundy allowed to produce rosé wines (look out for Domaine Joseph Roty and their Marsannay Rosé). With its northern location, reds from Marsannay often offer fresh, red-fruited wines of elegance. Great-value sites such as Domaine du Couvent’s Clos du Roy are of 1er Cru mint in all but name (and yet can be found for around £200 IB per case of 6!).
Rather fortunately, the 2024 vintage has the benefit of being a great place to start. It follows a warm, yet outstanding 2022 and an almost ‘goldilocks’ growing season in 2023. Whilst it’s hard to play down the challenges producers faced in 2024, the fact that the wines produced are generally fresher and more approachable in their youth creates an opening for an under-the-radar vintage that delivers charm and character. Whites are leaner, characterful and supported by strict acidity, making for a perfect introduction to the homeland of Chardonnay.
What does en primeur actually mean? It is a way of accessing new releases at the first instance. As soon as Corney & Barrow receive their allocation for the UK market, we offer the wines to you. It also means that the vast majority of these wines are still maturing underground in their Burgundian homeland. Another benefit is that, thanks to our ability to store the wines In Bond, you don’t have to pay duty and VAT until you take delivery. Usually, wines from the 2024 vintage will start to arrive in the UK in the summer/autumn of 2026, up to early 2027. So, where should you start when deciding whether to take the plunge and start buying Burgundy en primeur this year?
Read Guy Seddon’s excellent vintage report summarising the 2024 growing season
Have a look at Aaran Eccles’ spotlight of Burgundy’s young guns stirring the waters
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! Our sales team is always on hand to share the offers as they come out, making sure you don’t miss your favourite producer, or the chance to try something new
When the offers are released, pick what you like! It’s great to start with a regional or village staple! For example, a red Volnay from Domaine Georges Glantenay or Bourgogne Côte d’Or Chardonnay from François Carillon
If you have no space to keep the wines once they arrive in the UK, don’t despair, we can store them for you until you decide to pop the cork