Maipo Valley 1996 Vintage Report
Ideally sequenced and largely stress-free, 1996 goes down as a textbook vintage for Maipo Valley.
The cycle began with a harmonious flowering period. Warm days (avg 19°C) allowed for an even fruit set, establishing the potential for a generous crop. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 1 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 1830 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (13.2°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.
Want to explore vineyards in Maipo Valley?
Discover the estates shaping the legacy of this region.
