The 2007 vintage in Montepulciano, less clement than for Chianti Classico in general, showed wines that seemed to struggle with less-than-ripe tannins combined with a slight stewed fruit character. Increased temperatures during March and April meant that budbreak took place 15 days earlier than normal. Rainfall in May and June prevented water stress, with relatively low temperatures in June followed by above-average temperatures in July. High temperatures and virtually no rainfall in August delayed grape ripening. But the extreme heat affected the grapes, leading in some cases to overripeness and loss of aroma. Certainly, there...