Loire Valley 1972 Vintage Report
Defining the 1972 vintage in Loire Valley requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 58mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 915 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.
About Loire Valley
The "Garden of France" offers a diverse array of styles. From the flinty Sauvignon Blanc of Sancerre to the Cabernet Franc of Chinon and sweet Chenin Blanc, it is a region of elegance.
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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