Crossed Interview : François-Xavier Maroteaux and Axel Marchal

How would you describe the 2024 Vintage? François-Xavier Maroteaux: Producing a new Vintage is a bit like welcoming a new child. This “newborn” has required constant attention on behalf of winegrowers, and sometimes significant resources to reach optimal ripeness. All this hard work has paid off and we can’t wait to present the 2024 vintage to you. Wonderfully well-balanced and very easy-going, it promises to delight wine enthusiasts.

Axel Marchal: The 2024 Vintage was challenging for Bordeaux winegrowers due to the very wet weather conditions. However, major efforts in the vineyards and utmost care during the harvest helped to produce interesting and contemporary wines that are fresh, fruity and easy to drink.

Can you give three adjectives to describe the three styles (red, white, sweet white)? FXM :
- Reds: easy-going
- Whites: aromatic
- Sweet whites: pure

AM :
- Reds: clear-cut
- Whites: brilliant
- Sweet whites: well-balanced

Which previous Vintage would you compare it to? AM : I don’t really like this exercise, which is nevertheless very widespread in Bordeaux, because it leads to a form of categorisation, whereas I prefer to consider the personality of each vintage in their own right. What’s for sure is that you can’t compare the 2024 to the rainy vintages of the past. Progress made in winegrowing and grape reception, as well as clement conditions during summer helped to produce high-quality wines.

From 14 to 17 April, many wine professionals will be in Bordeaux to taste the 2024 Vintage “En Primeur”. What would you tell them? FXM : Undoubtedly more than others, the 2024 vintage is worth discovering in Bordeaux during "En Primeur" week! Figures don’t do it justice, only by tasting can we grasp all its richness. This is where all the magic of the wine lies: transcending the elements thanks to the expertise of winegrowers. This Vintage is sure to be a real source of pleasure!

AM : 2024 proves once again the diversity and richness of the Bordeaux terroirs, enhanced by often decisive human choices in response to contrasting weather conditions. The wines are in keeping with the times and their specific characteristics are worth analysing.

Could you remind us of the main dates of En Primeur Week? FXM : Like every year, the Vintage is unveiled over several days, to the press on 10 and 11 April followed by all wine professionals from 14 to 17 April. All the details are provided below. We look forward to meeting you!