Even though the wines from Piedmont (Italy) have known some good vintages in the 1990s and 2000s, there have been 6 vintages that were particularly and unanimously recognized as exceptional vintages that clearly surpass others:
- 1996
- 2001
- 2000
- 1998
- 1999
- 1997
1997: The Dream Vintage nicknamed ‘Vintage of the Century’
The winter was extremely cold and snowy, followed by a warm and dry spring. The conditions allowed early bud break and successful flowering. Rain fell in June, followed by hot months in July and August with rare showers. This provided a welcome respite for the grapes. A hot, dry September was optimal for the harvest, capping a near-flawless grape growing season.
The obtained wines were unanimously recognized as being of very high grade. The Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera were all outstanding, with rich, ripe fruit, lovely tannins and a high level of complexity. Despite a tannin structure necessary for long aging, many wines shown relatively mild acidity, allowing them to be enjoyed early, which is unusual for Barolo.
Top Barolo producers for these vintages
The most sought after Barolo producers for these 6 vintages are:
- Aldo Conterno
- Altare
- Clerico
- Conterno-Fantino
- Corino
- Elio Grasso
- Gaja
- Giacomo Conterno
- Oberto
- Paolo Scavino
- Prunotto
- Roberto Voerzio
- Silvio Grasso
Top Barbaresco producers for these vintages
The most sought after Barbaresco producers for these 6 vintages are:
- Cigliuti
- Gaja
- La Spinetta
- Moccagatta
- Paitin di Pasquero
- Pelissero
Top Barbera producers for these vintages
The most sought after Barbera producers for these 6 vintages are:
- Accornero
- Aldo Conterno
- Braida
- Cascinacastle’t
- Chicco
- Coppo
- Cordero Di Montezemolo
- Gaja
- Gallino
- Giacomo Conterno
- Giovanni Corino
- Luisin
- Mauro Molino
- Prunotto
- Roberto Voerzio
- Seghesio
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I did not receive any gifts or free samples that could be related to this article
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