1974 vintage guide for Germany

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Another extremely poor year with few wines of note

1/5

Weather Conditions

The early part of the year was unusually warm and the budding was early. However, the flowering in June was spoiled by intermittent showers. The period of growth in July and August was satisfactory but the start of the ripening of the grapes was hindered by cold and wet weather. October 1974 showed the greatest rainfall since 1875 and as a result most grapes never became fully ripe.

Best Appellations

The best that growers throughout Germany could make were acidic Kabinetts, which are now long past their sell-by dates.

Best Producers

None worth mentioning