Rhone Valley 1985 Vintage Report
Defining the 1985 vintage in Rhone 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.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 1856 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (17mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.
**Style:** Rich, opulent, and structured wines built for the long haul.
About Rhone Valley
Divided into North and South, the Rhône Valley is a powerhouse of Syrah and Grenache. From the peppery, focused reds of Côte-Rôtie to the warm, spicy blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it offers bold wines shaped by the Mistral wind.
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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