Sicily 1981 Vintage Report
Defining the 1981 vintage in Sicily requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 4mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 12 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 512 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 21mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Elegant, transparent wines defined by finesse and vibrant acidity.
About Sicily
A Mediterranean island experiencing a wine renaissance. The volcanic soils of Mount Etna produce mineral-driven Nerello Mascalese, while Nero d'Avola thrives in the warm south.
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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