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A year of atypical phenomena, vintage 2024
VINTAGE REPORT 2024 - LAGARDE WINERY
2024 marks a harvest that, although still challenging, leaves us with valuable lessons and promises exceptional quality. We come from a 2023 that recorded the lowest production in the last 50 years in Argentina. This year, yields improved with respect to the previous year, although they were 15% below the national historical average. However, the great attraction of this vintage was the excellent health and quality of the grapes, which allows us to predict extraordinary wines.
A Year of Atypical Phenomena
The 2024 vintage will be remembered as one of the most complex and “out of script”. Unusual climatic factors, such as heat waves and zonda winds at atypical times, challenged the physiology of the vines and our ability to interpret them.
One positive point was the improved availability of water for irrigation, thanks to abundant winter snowfall in the mountain range. The spring, although cool and dry, presented late frosts that partially affected the lower parts of our estates in Agrelo and Perdriel. The zonda wind during flowering caused lower fruit set, especially in sensitive varieties such as Malbec, which resulted in light bunches at harvest time.
In January, an initial heat wave accelerated ripening. However, as it intensified and prolonged, the plants experienced metabolic blockages, slowing the physiological ripening process. This generated a relative accumulation of sugars and acids by dehydration rather than by natural processes. After this extreme period, the vines slowly resumed their rhythm, allowing complete and balanced ripening to be achieved on the usual dates.
the result is promising: wines with balanced acidity, moderate alcohol, great aromatic expression and vibrant colors, accompanied by exceptional health.
Details by Estate
Drummond - Lagarde Estate
Yields: 20% higher than 2023, although still low due to the practice of certified organic cultivation for almost a decade. For the last two years, we have incorporated pressurized drip irrigation, improving water efficiency in the face of successive crises.
Organic Semillon: Harvested on February 7 and 8, it stood out for its low alcoholic potential, good natural acidity and fresh and delicate aromas.
Organic Malbec: Harvested between February 23 and March 12, it offered wines of good concentration, with fine and elegant tannins, distinctive characteristics of this century-old vineyard
Perdriel - La Jacintana Estate
Yields: Although improved over 2023, they did not reach historical levels due to frosts (2023 and spring 2024) and zonda winds.
Characteristics: It was necessary to wait for some varieties to reach optimum maturity. The wines show great balance and quality.
Agrelo
Yields: This vineyard was the most affected, with significant losses, especially in Malbec, due to frost and zonda winds.
Outlook: Although volumes were low, the quality of the grapes harvested is encouraging.
Gualtallary - Aguas Verdes Estate.
Yields: Moderate to low, similar to 2023. The zonda wind during flowering affected fruit set, especially in Malbec.
Quality: The whites are expressive, balanced, with good acidity and moderate alcohol. The Malbec showed excellent concentration, great aromatic expression and vibrant color, as did the Cabernets, which performed outstandingly well.
Conclusion
Despite climatic challenges, the 2024 vintage reaffirms our commitment to quality and sustainability. We are preparing to offer wines that reflect the essence of each terroir, with exceptional balance and the promise of unforgettable experiences in every glass.
Salud!
