Rhone Valley 2018 Vintage Report
2018 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Rhone Valley, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 80mm 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 2309 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation.
The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 87mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.
**Style:** Powerful but variable, with the best wines balancing the heat with careful selection.
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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