1971 vintage guide for Italy Piedmont

drink now

The second great year in a row, with very fine Barolo and Barbaresco

5/5

Weather Conditions

An icy-cold winter in Piedmont continued through into April. Subsequent hail in May and June further reduced the crop in most of Barolo and Barbaresco. A clear, hot summer lasted right up to a perfect warm, dry, October giving a small crop of Nebbiolo with excellent levels of sugar, tannin and acidity.

Best Appellations

Barolo and Barbaresco produced the vintage of the decade, with a high level of consistency. Barbera d’Alba and Barbera d’Asti were also excellent although at the time the variety was not given prominence and often badly vinified.

Best Producers

Barolo and Barbaresco produced the vintage of the decade, with a high level of consistency. Barbera d’Alba and Barbera d’Asti were also excellent although at the time the variety was not given prominence and often badly vinified.