The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino and 2013 Riservas: Opposites Attract

BY IAN D'AGATA | MARCH 26, 2019 

The 2014 Brunellos and the 2013 Riservas are polar opposites, the products of one of the most challenging vintages in memory (2014) and a very good, classic year (2013). And yet, both vintages have something to offer, if in completely different ways; the much-better-than-expected 2014s boast early appeal and can be enjoyed while the 2013 Riservas mature in the cellar.

The 2014 Growing Season

Vintage 2014 will be remembered as one of the most challenging in Italy, and not just in in Montalcino. Rain and cool, overcast weather were practically non-stop throughout the year. However, the wines have generally turned out better than expected. A rainy, mild winter was followed by a similarly rainy and cool spring, though one prolonged heat spell in early June actually set off an early budbreak and generous fruit set. Unfortunately, numerous hail episodes and copious rainfall throughout most of the summer delayed ripening and resulted in elevated disease pressure with widespread outbreaks of peronospora (downy mildew). August was less rainy than June and July, but it brought lower-than-average monthly temperatures. The vintage was essentially saved by good late September and early October weather that was generally mild and dry. Most producers harvested during a three-week stretch that saddled the end of September and the beginning of October. However, making full-bodied, highly structured wines was next to impossible.