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A less successful vintage than in other major Italian regions
Weather Conditions
This was another very hot and dry vintage in Tuscany which drought stress conditioned the vegetative cycle of the vineyard in many parts of the region. The autumn however remained warm and dry, allowing producers to decide the best moment to pick. In the north and centre of the region it was generally a long and late harvest.
Best Appellations
The DOC to come out best was Chianti Rufina, where the cooler microclimate produced results well above those of the rest of the region. Chianti Classico had body and extract but not much fruit. Some producers preferred it to the 1975s, but results were mixed and only a handful of Riservas left their mark on the vintage. Both Brunello and Vino Nobile were on the light side and tended to dry out quickly.
Best Producers
Both Selvapiana and Nipozzano Riservas from Rufina were memorable. In Chianti Classico Isola e Olena and Montagliari rated their 1974 Riservas highly. At Montalcino the Caparzo Riserva was good in the context of the vintage.
