1996 was an unusual year in Champagne, marked by alternating periods of cool weather and heat, drought and humidity. After a gentle, sunny start to the year, gray skies and freezing weather settled over the vineyards of Champagne. Spring frosts covered the region in March and May, but once again they spared our vineyards. Conversely, a record-breaking heat wave hit in April, with temperatures rising as high as 26°C on certain days.