Alsace

1976 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Alsace, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 5 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track.

The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 155mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.

**Style:** Lighter-bodied, early-drinking wines that prioritize charm over depth.