Maipo Valley 1979 Vintage Report
The 1979 vintage in Maipo Valley is the ultimate redemption story. After a chaotic start that threatened the crop, the season turned a corner to deliver a stunning finale.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 90mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 1914 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 (0mm), 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 Maipo Valley
Known as the "Bordeaux of South America," the Maipo Valley surrounds Santiago. It is celebrated for its structured, minty Cabernet Sauvignon that thrives in the Mediterranean climate.
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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