drink now
Prolonged rain caused serious problems although a few producers still made good wines
Weather Conditions
A moderately cold winter was characterised by high levels of rainfall. March in Piedmont was dry and warmer than normal. Spring was cold with damaging late frosts in April. June was cool and rather wet for flowering. July and August were hotter the norm and mainly dry. A promising vintage was spoilt, for the fourth year in a row, by an extremely wet and cool September.
Best Appellations
Yet another desparately difficult year for growers, with more rainfall than any year since 1981 and even less sunshine to boot. A part of the Roero was spared the excessive rain in September, meaning that for perhaps the first time, this emerging area on the right bank of the Tanaro was able to produce better wines than its more famous neighbours Barolo and Barbaresco. The best Barolo and Barbaresco show fairly classic aromas, albeit perceived through ‘the wrong end of a telescope’. A deficit of structure means that the best wines are enjoyable now, but have no pretence to longevity.
Best Producers
In 1994 the blended “Super Vino da Tavola” styles such as Pin (Rivetti), Monpra'(Conterno-Fantino), Vigna Larigi (Altare), Darmagi (Gaja) were more successful than their classic counterparts in Barolo. Very good Barbaresco was made by Gaja and Pelissero (Vanotu). Outstanding in Roero were Matteo Correggia and Malvira’.
