Rioja 1966 Vintage Report
1966 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Rioja, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 103mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches.
Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track.
The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 92mm 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 Rioja
Spain's premier wine region, famous for its oak-aged Tempranillo blends. Rioja balances fruit with savory notes of leather and spice, categorized by a strict aging system from Crianza to Gran Reserva.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (7 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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