Disappointing quality: These are five poor Chianti vintages

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

The hot summer of 2003 did not end in Tuscany. Exceptionally high temperatures and persistent drought meant that vines in many places suffered from water shortages. This also affected phenolic maturity. The result was immature and sometimes overly harsh tannins that lost the appeal of many wines.

As in many wine regions of Europe, 2002 was a difficult wine year for the Chianti region. The cold and constantly rainy conditions were extremely challenging for Tuscan winemakers. As a result, most of the region’s wines were never bottled. A rainy year to forget.

Despite a cool spring, average summer temperatures and a sunny September in the weeks leading up to harvest provided cause for hope. However, heavy October rains dashed the dream of a healthy harvest. It is best to choose the obvious vintages of 1990 and 1995.

A cool spring delayed the onset of budding and flowering. After June and July, which were two very rainy months, a warm August and a sunny first half of September gave hope. Rainfall during harvest caused watering of the grapes and often reduced concentration. Many wines are also on the weak side.

The end of a warm and sunny spring marked the beginning of a disastrous season. With a few exceptions, it rained continuously from time to time between May and September. In these harsh weather conditions, the grapes had no chance of accumulating enough sugar, let alone developing their tannins.

Source : Blick