Amarone & Valpolicella wines from 2013

Another year of great contrasts. The winter persisted longer than usual, and the spring was characterised by large amounts of quite heavy rain. A strong midsummer followed, however, encouraged good strong ripening, with a relatively temperate August raising hopes of a top vintage. However, harvest-time hailstoms struck once again, reducing a lot of the crop, and wrecking many harvest plans. Nevertheless it was in some ways an old-fashioned vintage for the region, and the experience of the winemakers of the region meant many were able to persevere and produce some very fine wine.