Rhone Valley 1997 Vintage Report
Defining the 1997 vintage in Rhone 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. 93mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 1955 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 41mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.
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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