Alsace

Defining the 1986 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. 105mm 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 5 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1141 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 69mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

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