France

Champagne

1960
51Grapeyear
challenging Configuration

Champagne 1960 Vintage Report

For much of the season, 1960 looked destined for greatness in Champagne, until the elements conspired against it in the final weeks.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. 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 946 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 111mm 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 Champagne

The cold, chalky plains of Champagne yield the world's most prestigious sparkling wines. Using the "Méthode Champenoise," the region blends Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier to create wines of brightness, acidity, and complex autolytic character.

Climatic Blueprint

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

946

Total Rainfall

494 mm

Sunshine Hours

1999 hrs

Diurnal Shift

8.4 °C

Frost Days

0 days

Average Temperature

14 °C

Historical Context (1 Years)

Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.

Want to explore vineyards in Champagne?

Discover the estates shaping the legacy of this region.

Explore all vineyards
No vineyards listed for this region yet.

Explore other Wine Nations

Explore All Regions