The final word on Italy’s vintage is traditionally reserved for Assoenologi, Italy’s association of oenologists, which publishes its report on the harvest results at the end of each year.
Assoenologi has assessed the 2016 vintage as a heterogeneous one and very good only in those regions benefiting from perfect weather in September and October. In 2016 this has resulted in a clear north–south divide, in which the north and centre had fine weather during the crucial months of September and October, while parts in the south experienced prolonged rains during the same period.
In general, the winter preceding the 2016...