Colchagua Valley 1997 Vintage Report
Ideally sequenced and largely stress-free, 1997 goes down as a textbook vintage for Colchagua Valley.
The cycle began with a harmonious flowering period. Warm days (avg 21°C) allowed for an even fruit set, establishing the potential for a generous crop.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 2193 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (14°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (4mm), 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)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (9 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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