Chile

Colchagua Valley

1987
72Grapeyear
average Configuration

Colchagua Valley 1987 Vintage Report

Defining the 1987 vintage in Colchagua Valley requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.

The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 2078 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (13°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.

The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (15mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.

**Style:** Rich, opulent, and structured wines built for the long haul.

About Colchagua Valley

A warm, sunny region producing ripe and full-bodied reds. Colchagua is a stronghold for Carmenère, Chile's signature grape, as well as rich Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Climatic Blueprint

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

2078

Total Rainfall

65 mm

Sunshine Hours

2450 hrs

Diurnal Shift

13 °C

Frost Days

0 days

Average Temperature

20 °C

Historical Context (9 Years)

Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.

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