France

Alsace

1966
66Grapeyear
average Configuration

Alsace 1966 Vintage Report

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

Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 93mm 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 1176 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 62mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

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

About Alsace

Nestled between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine, Alsace is a sun-drenched region famous for aromatic white wines. Its dry Rieslings, spicy Gewürztraminers, and lush Pinot Gris showcase a unique French-German cultural fusion.

Climatic Blueprint

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

1176

Total Rainfall

635 mm

Sunshine Hours

2029 hrs

Diurnal Shift

8.3 °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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