France

Loire Valley

1979
74Grapeyear
average Configuration

Loire Valley 1979 Vintage Report

Defining the 1979 vintage in Loire Valley requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 3 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1132 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 53mm 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)

1132

Total Rainfall

412 mm

Sunshine Hours

1872 hrs

Diurnal Shift

8.3 °C

Frost Days

0 days

Average Temperature

15 °C

Historical Context (10 Years)

Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.

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