drink soon
A very fine year for Chianti Classico
Weather Conditions
In Tuscany the spring was unusually cold and bud break was up to three weeks late in some parts of Chianti. The summer was hot and dry however and, despite some local problems of drought, brought the vineyards more or less back on schedule. The fine weather continued well into autumn and producers took advantage of a memorable Indian summer to harvest late, obtaining very good sugar levels.
Best Appellations
Chianti was very good, but officially rated below the excellent 1971s. The Riservas were not short of body or fruit, but matured relatively quickly. It was an outstanding vintage at Montalcino on the other hand, very close to the level of the historic 1975s. The wines started out with power and
depth which promised very long ageing and the best did not disappoint, even at a distance of over 20 years. It was also a very year for Vino Nobile.
Best Producers
Castello di Quercetto and Felsina both made excellent Chianti Classico Riservas. At Montalcino all the major producers of the era made important 1970s, including Barbi Colombini, Caparzo, Il Poggione, Costanti, Biondi Santi and Col d’Orcia.
