Alsace

1996 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Alsace, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.

Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 97mm 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 971 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.

The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 81mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.

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