The 1965 vintage

by Julie Berteloot
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Millésime 1965

The 1965 vintage is remembered as a particularly trying period for France. The abundant and almost uninterrupted rainfall waterlogged the soil, flooded the fields and paralyzed many economic activities. Farmers, on the front line, saw their harvests reduced to nothing, leading to an unprecedented agricultural crisis.

Bordeaux

The weather gets complicated from March onwards. April is cold and wet, as is May. The vines do not flower until mid-June. July is catastrophic with only 7 days of good weather. The harvest is brought forward to limit the damage caused by rot. Few grapes are spared, and ripening is not complete due to the lack of sun. The white wines are emaciated and acidic.

bordeaux 1965

Bourgogne

The rain does not stop for a single day in June, July and August. The harvests are late but always in the rain. Reds wines have no color, little bouquet and they are overchaptalized. They are light and to be drunk quickly.

Champagne

Rain and frost completely ruin the vintage. The wines are acidic, without enough alcoholic richness. The bouquet is still pleasant and fine despite the lack of structure.

1965 vines in the rain

Elsewhere

In the Rhône, the 1965 vintage has disappeared without a trace. In Alsace, despite the rain, the vintage is correct in both quality and quantity.

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