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A much better vintage than elsewhere in Italy
Weather Conditions
Spring and summer conditions favoured flowering and fruit set and a long, warm, dry spell leading up to the harvest brought Sangiovese to good levels of ripeness across the region. Picking, in Tuscany began slightly late, around the middle of October, but both quantities and quality were good.
Best Appellations
The features of the 1977s were balance, complexity and elegance. The wines did not generally need long ageing to show their best, but they held up well. It was a very good vintage for Chianti and in particular for Chianti Rufina. Producers in Montalcino rated it at the same level at 1978 and 1979. Of the major DOCs only Vino Nobile was slightly disappointing.
Best Producers
Monte Vertine brought out the first vintage of their mono-varietal Sangiovese Pergole Torte this year, to immediate acclaim. There were good Chianti Classico Riservas from Monsanto and Capannelle. At Rufina Selvapiana made one of their best wines of the decade. Altesino and Lisini from Montalcino both rated the vintage highly.
