Mosel 1996 Vintage Report
1996 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Mosel, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.
Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 5 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 805 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 86mm 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 Mosel
The Mosel Valley is defined by its breathtakingly steep slate vineyards along the river. It produces the world's lightest, most delicate Rieslings, balancing razor-sharp acidity with floral sweetness.
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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