Marlborough 1976 Vintage Report
Defining the 1976 vintage in Marlborough requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 56mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 836 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (15mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.
**Style:** Elegant, transparent wines defined by finesse and vibrant acidity.
About Marlborough
Marlborough put New Zealand on the wine map with its explosive Sauvignon Blanc. Defined by pungent aromas of passionfruit, lime, and fresh cut grass, it is a globally recognized style.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (9 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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