1956

BORDEAUX / Due to the climatic conditions and the breeding of the vines, Bordeaux produced fine and concentrated wines in 1952, 1953 and 1955. 1956 is a historic year, because it marks the beginning of a new era for Bordeaux. The reason for this paradigm shift was the shock caused by a -20°C cold spell in Bordeaux in February 1956 which killed a large swath of vines. Saint-Émilion and Pomerol were the hardest hit. Regions least affected by the killing frost still faced a delayed growing season and a cold, rainy summer. Any hope of having even a mediocre year was lost.

Burgundy, celebrated for its exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, has a history of producing wines that are highly regarded by connoisseurs and collectors. The 1956 vintage in Burgundy is remembered as a year that produced wines of modest quality. 

Overall Impressions: The best wines of Burgundy 1956 vintage is celebrated for its elegance and finesse. While they may not reach the heights of some of the region's legendary years, at least it stands out for producing wines of drinkable quality. 

For collectors and connoisseurs, the 1956 Burgundy wines not represent a rewarding chapter in the world of fine wine. 

Australia / Below average rainfall and a relatively dry vintage led to low yields and an average year for Barossa wines.

In 1956 there were 7,476 hectares of vines in the Barossa and 23,986 tonnes of wine grapes were crushed in that vintage.

The first 'pearl' style sparkling wine ever made in Australia, 'Barossa Pearl' was produced in Orlando by adding grape juice to dry white wine and re-fermenting in pressure tanks. This affordable sparkling white wine in the distinctive keel-shaped bottle was launched on Guy Fawkes Day, November 5, and immediately became one of Australia's great winemaking and marketing success stories.

During a year of innovations led by Technical Director Colin Gramp, Orlando also ordered the first Seitz semi-automatic sterile bottling line and launched the first Spaetlese Barossa Riesling.

BOURGOGNE /Millésime difficile, petite production. Vins minces. 1956 est entrée dans l’histoire comme l’année la plus froide depuis 1709. Après trois semaines de gel en février où la température est descendue jusqu’à -30°C, causant des dommages aux vignes, le printemps a été humide et froid, ce qui a entraîné une floraison lente et longue qui s’est terminée très tard à la mi-juillet. L’été a continué ce thème, étant principalement humide et froid. Un mois de septembre chaud n’a pas pu sauver ce millésime. Les vendanges ont commencé le 15 octobre. En raison du mauvais état des vins, la vente aux enchères annuelle des Hospices de Beaune n’a pas eu lieu. Maintenant rarement vu.

1956 the increase in living standards and the focus on education helped to fuel the increase in college education with 1 in 3 high school graduates now going off to college. TV shows included "As The World Turns" and "The Price is Right". Mothers could now buy disposable diapers and tefal non stick Frying Pans. Elvis Presley appears on the Ed Sullivan show and enters the music charts for the first time, with "Heartbreak Hotel".