Austria

Wachau

1966
65Grapeyear
average Configuration

Wachau 1966 Vintage Report

Defining the 1966 vintage in Wachau requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 94mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 1 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1181 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.

Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 71mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.

About Wachau

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Wachau valley produces Austria's finest white wines. Its steep stone terraces yield Grüner Veltliner and Riesling of great power, purity, and mineral depth.

Climatic Blueprint

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

1181

Total Rainfall

583 mm

Sunshine Hours

1905 hrs

Diurnal Shift

8.5 °C

Frost Days

0 days

Average Temperature

15 °C

Historical Context (7 Years)

Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.

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