Loire Valley 1974 Vintage Report
For much of the season, 1974 looked destined for greatness in Loire Valley, 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.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1054 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 93mm 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.
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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