2006 Growing season: ‘The growing cycle in spring started under drier conditions than the previous year, followed by a rather warm summer with average temperatures in the mid 30s° C. As the season progressed it started to show similarities to the very hot 2003, with sugar levels shooting up. However, the crucial difference was that night temperatures went down as much as 10° C, allowing the plants to rest and retain good acidity levels. During September some rain fell, but not enough to harm the grapes. Although high sugar levels resulted in alcohol regularly approached 14% and more, there is good balance with ripe tannins and good acidity. It is certainly a vintage with great cellaring potential,’ (La Porta di Vertine 2007 vintage report from its website, 23 Dec 2013).

2006 Wine quality: Some excellent wines. Similar to 2004 although bigger in body. It rained when rain was needed, and the summer was not excessively hot, so the resulting wines are fresh, lively with an excellent structure and body.