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1980 vintage guide for Italy Piedmont

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A sound, rather than exciting, vintage

Weather Conditions

Winter was fairly mild in Piedmont with above average temperatures though some snow in January. Spring was mild but wet, leading to a cooler than average June and July with a wet spell right in the middle. The weather improved throughout August and September with temperature reaching fairly high levels and, although rainfall in August was above the average, September was quite dry. October began with a warm spell, but steady rain during the second week compounded the problem of a pretty damp vintage.

Best Appellations

A large but rather dilute crop of reasonably healthy grapes, resulting in wines of average quality but no real staying power.

Best Producers

There were few real stars in 1980, and even the best wines are well past their prime.

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