Wine 1933

A 1933 wine is a wonderful choice that speaks directly to the recipient or drinker who appreciates depth, tradition and knowledge. These bottles have rested safely in optimal conditions for generations, making them a fascinating and living piece of the past.
2  wines

2 products

The story behind a wine from 1933

Every single 1933 wine tells the story of a time when work in the vineyard and cellar took place under completely different conditions than those we know today. This year was a defining one for Italian wine production, culminating in the very first major exhibition of the country's characteristic wines in the city of Siena. This historic event really focused attention on quality and national pride, and it paved the way for a brighter and more modern period in the country's rich wine history after several years of economic difficulties.

A look back at the year 1933

The weather in 1933 presented many unpredictable elements that seriously tested the winegrowers of Piedmont. The year began with a cold winter and a very rainy spring, which significantly delayed the flowering of the vines. When summer finally arrived, July brought intense heat and violent and periodic hailstorms that stressed the plants in the fields. Fortunately, a welcome rain at the end of August gave the vines peace to continue ripening, which ultimately led to a delayed harvest.

The changeable climate left its natural mark on the finished wines of the vintage. Overall, the harvest resulted in wines that were lighter in structure and had a lower alcohol content than usual. In return, the grapes built up a higher acidity thanks to the cooler periods of the growing season. It is precisely this fresh acidity structure that has proven to be crucial for the wines to survive and beautifully develop their complex nuances in the bottle over the many subsequent decades.

Piedmont as the heart of Italian wine

Looking back to Piedmont in the 1930s, winemaking was a deeply traditional and hand-held profession. Natural fermentation was used, driven solely by the yeast cells that were already on the grape skins and living in the cellar environment. Maceration often lasted an impressive 10 to 30 days, simply because the aim was to extract the maximum amount of colour and tannin from the characteristic Nebbiolo grapes.

This long contact with the grape skins created a formidable structure and a significant tannin level, which required many years of patience in the cellar before the wine was ready to drink. Maturation took place at a leisurely pace in large, traditional oak barrels, known locally as botti. Fermentation itself was often carried out in open wooden vats or voluminous cement tanks, as these solid materials helped to ensure a stable temperature during fermentation, without the use of modern technology.

Classic craftsmanship from the region's historic winery

One of the oldest vineyards in the region played a crucial role in shaping the wine that is now considered the area's signature. As early as the 19th century, the winery pioneered and changed the classic methods so that the wine, otherwise known as sweet, was instead fermented completely dry. The result was a stable, complex and exceptionally age-friendly red wine that quickly gained great recognition and became famous across Europe under the beautiful nickname "the wine of kings".

To protect and preserve this high standard, deep and specialized cellars were built under the vineyard, which shielded the sensitive fermentation process from the sometimes harsh and cool autumn temperatures of Piedmont. Since 1929, the Abbona family has run the place and carried on the proud traditions with great respect. The family's meticulous work in the historic vineyards has had an enormous impact on maintaining traditional methods and ensuring a consistently high quality in the wines from the older vintages.

Security when giving away historical drops

When you decide to give a beautifully mature vintage wine as a gift, both safety and reliability are essential elements to create a great experience. Here at Bottles With History, we take great pride in handling each and every historic bottle with the utmost care and professionalism, from our own facilities all the way to the doorstep of the expectant recipient. We also carry our rare 1943 wine and 1953 wine .

  • Our optimal storage conditions in the cellar respect the age of the wine and ensure that the contents retain their full character as best as possible.
  • With our fast same-day delivery, you can feel confident that your historic gift will always arrive on time for the celebration.
  • We offer free shipping on purchases over 500 DKK, so it is both easy and cost-free to have the gift delivered to your door or to a parcel shop.
  • Our high TrustScore of 4.6 is based on customers' own reviews and serves as your guarantee of safe and reliable trading.
  • Our dedicated online customer service is always ready to share their knowledge and guide you safely to the right vintage wine.

FAQ

It is typically characterized by a lighter body, high acidity and lower alcohol. The reason was a cold, wet spring, followed by heat waves and a late harvest in 1933. Traditional long macerations and aging in large barrels gave structure, which today shows leather, tea and dried fruit.
Yes, it may be possible, but it depends heavily on the condition of the bottle, the filling level and storage. After so many years, the style is often delicate and volatile. Open carefully, taste first without decanting, and always have a spare bottle for the occasion.
Start with the year, the occasion, and the recipient’s connection to the year. Choose a bottle with documented storage, good fill level, and a clear description of condition. The history of origin and style (e.g. Piedmont and traditional methods) provides the context that makes the gift memorable.
Stand the bottle upright 24–72 hours before serving. Open carefully, preferably with a two-stroke corkscrew (Ah-So), and avoid forceful decanting; pour slowly to retain sediment. Serve slightly chilled, around 16–18°C, in smaller glasses, and taste as you go.
We evaluate and describe each bottle individually, including filling level, color, capsule and label, so you know the condition before purchasing. The bottles are stored under optimal conditions. If you have any questions, our customer service will be happy to help you with clarification and choosing the right bottle. Note: The bottle contains sulfites.