As the last grapes were picked under autumn skies, we conclude the 2024 harvest. This year was marked by alternating periods of rain and calm, demanding our utmost vigilance in the vineyard. The 2024 vintage, though yielding a smaller harvest, is defined by the maturity and quality of the grapes, offering a glimpse of great aromatic potential
2024 Harvest in Gigondas: A vintage shaped by rain and Mistral winds
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen this. The weather station in the Romane valley confirms that from January to June 2024, we accumulated 400 mm of rain.
This is extraordinary, especially considering that in 2023 we only received 270 mm and just 125 mm in 2022 during the same period. 2023 is remembered as a hot and dry year, preventing the vines from storing enough reserves for the following vintage. Fortunately, the rains of 2024 replenished the groundwater and gave the vines a fresh lease on life.
Key Stages of the Vine
Pruning
Pruning began on December 18, 2023, in the less frost-prone areas of the vineyard. We favor later pruning for younger vines and frost-sensitive zones (valley bottoms and north-facing slopes). By delaying pruning, we reduce the impact of frost on young shoots. This year, pruning finished with the arrival of spring around April 18. During these final weeks, the team wasn’t alone in the Gigondas vineyards: since 2023, sheep have returned to graze in the Romane parcels, helping us manage the cover crops as the grass starts to grow again.
Budbreak
By early April, budbreak was progressing well. Regular rains and warm temperatures encouraged rapid vegetative growth. The vineyard team worked tirelessly to manage the significant phytosanitary pressure. Luckily, after each rainfall, the mistral winds dried out the soil, and the sunny days that followed allowed us to intervene in the vineyard. The late spring brought cooler temperatures, slowing down vine growth.
The Impact of Climate on Flowering
This year, flowering is notably later. The first flowers appear in the village of Gigondas starting June 2, while a complete flowering at Romane doesn’t occur until June 20. The Grenache variety is particularly sensitive to these regular rains; its flowering is affected by millerandage, leading to reduced yields in many parcels.
However, our high-altitude vineyard in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail once again proves its resilience. The slopes, altitude, and the Romane valley—where winds funnel through—are natural elements that help maintain the health of the vines.
A Typical Mediterranean Summer
This year, summer has taken its time to arrive, but we are enjoying mild temperatures in a vineyard that remains exceptionally beautiful, healthy, and verdant. Nights are relatively cool compared to 2023. However, from mid-July to mid-August, we experience a typical Mediterranean heatwave, characterized by dryness. Fortunately, the old vines of Romane withstand this well, drawing on moisture reserves stored in the clay of our slopes.
On August 15, a localized storm erupted over the Dentelles de Montmirail, bringing an additional 25 mm of much-needed water at a crucial time. This life-giving rain will help complete the maturation of the grapes without leading to sugar concentration or drying out.
In 2024, we return to a classic harvest schedule, starting a week later than in 2023. This promising vintage reflects a well-balanced year with a low yield, and the tasting of the musts already reveals an excellent aromatic profile.
Harvest 2024
Thank you to our dedicated vineyard and cellar team for their incredible efforts during the 2024 harvest
