Burgundy 1981 Vintage Report
1981 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Burgundy, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 83mm 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 1091 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 253mm 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.
About Burgundy
The spiritual home of terroir, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reach their zenith. Burgundy's fragmented landscape of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards produces wines of unparalleled elegance, expressing the subtle nuances of each plot's limestone soils.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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