Germany

Rheingau

1976
51Grapeyear
challenging Configuration

Rheingau 1976 Vintage Report

1976 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Rheingau, 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 7 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1095 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 99mm 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 Rheingau

A historic stretch of the Rhine where vineyards face south to maximize sun exposure. The Rheingau produces powerful, aristocratic Rieslings with great aging potential.

Climatic Blueprint

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

1095

Total Rainfall

275 mm

Sunshine Hours

2122 hrs

Diurnal Shift

9.3 °C

Frost Days

0 days

Average Temperature

14 °C

Historical Context (10 Years)

Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.

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