2017 was the driest and hottest year in
Montalcino since weather records began. There was no rain for a whole three months, and by the end of August almost 20 days with temperatures above 35 degrees were recorded. With such drought
stress, the vines switch to emergency supply: Even if the must weights increase,
aroma development falls by the wayside. At the beginning of September, the longed-for rain shower finally arrived, and it rained again in the middle of the month. The change in weather was accompanied by a clear cooling, which ensured that the must weights did not go through the roof too quickly. This allowed the vines to catch up with the aromatic ripening and make up for lost ground.
