1976 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations: Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 1976 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 1976 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!
The 1976 vintage was, for much of the wine world, a mixed bag. For France, the vintage was fairly good with Bordeaux, Sauternes, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley all enjoying a reasonably good year, while the year for Champagne, the Loire and Alsace was excellent. Italy endured a less than successful year while Spain, and Port had good but not great years. Any of these wines would make a fabulous 49 year old wine gift for an Anniversary or birthday.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
This Year in History: Fun Fact: The first commercial Concorde flight takes off[6] from Heathrow Airport for Bahrain.
Eurovision Winner: UNITED KINGDOM with the song "Save Your Kisses For Me" by Brotherhood of Man
Top Grossing Movie: Rocky
Bordeaux: 1976 wines still offer delightful, attractive drinking if they have been well stored. The wines are characterised as soft-bodied, with low acidity levels.
Rain during the harvest that followed the long hot summer of 1976 tarnished what could have been the vintage of the decade. Much to general surprise, the 1976 vintage although mature on release has maintained its maturity to date.
Italian: A large crop was produced, but the 1976 wines lacked the ripeness and longevity of the preceding vintage. Although the wines will not improve further with age, they are still very drinkable - Barolo or Amarone being the most likely to offer a great experience.
Portugal: Following the driest winter on record there was a total drought throughout the summer, until the end of August. This resulted in a very low production, however those ports that were produced are exceptionally concentrated and full-bodied. They lack a little freshness but this is understandable given the dry conditions. There are very few bottle aged ports available but the Colheita ports (barrel aged) from this year are excellent.
Spain: A good year that produced good quantities of Rioja. Gran Reserva made the annual average of 7%.
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109 products found.
Barolo, 1976
Fratelli Berteletti
Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
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Price: £159.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
Barolo, 1976
Pico della Mirandola
Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
more >>>
Price: £169.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Barolo, 1976
Ceste
Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
more >>>
Price: £169.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Blandys, 1976
Verdelho Vintage Madeira
37.5cl Half Bottle in Individual Box
18.5/20 -Grandes Escolhas
Crafted by the renowned Blandy family, who have been producing Madeira wine since 1811, this Verdelho showcases the balance and longevity that Madeira wines are celebrated for. Matured in seasoned American oak casks using the traditional canteiro method, this wine has developed extraordinary depth over decades.
Tasting Notes:
This exceptional 1976 vintage from Blandy’s offers a beautifully complex bouquet of dried fruits, orange peel, toasted nuts, and a touch of smoky spice. On the palate, it’s vibrant and medium-dry, with layers of caramel, citrus zest, and saline minerality, culminating in a long, elegant finish. …
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Price: £135.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
Blandys, 1976
Bual Vintage Madeira
75cl, In Individual Box
96 Points - Wine Spectator
Blandys 1976 Bual Vintage Madeira is only available in extremely limited quantities, a perfect birthday gift for anyone born in 1976.
Tasting Notes:
Dark amber with golden reflections. The nose has a very complex and characteristic bouquet. Lush with notes of toasted wood, dried fruit, vanilla-like sweet spices, saffron, ripe fruit chutney, dried leaves, and tea. The palate is very rich, smooth, and balanced, medium sweet, with a very long finish leaving notes of chutney and resinous woods such as cedar.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve slightly chilled (14–16°C) to enhance its rich, mellow character. …
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Price: £345.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Blandys, 1976
Bual Vintage Madeira
300cl Double Magnum In Individual Box
96 Points - Wine Spectator
PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
Blandys 1976 Bual Vintage Madeira is only available in extremely limited quantities, a perfect birthday gift for anyone born in 1976.
Tasting Notes:
Dark amber with golden reflections. The nose has a very complex and characteristic bouquet. Lush with notes of toasted wood, dried fruit, vanilla-like sweet spices, saffron, ripe fruit chutney, dried leaves, and tea. The palate is very rich, smooth, and balanced, medium sweet, with a very long finish leaving notes of chutney and resinous woods such as cedar.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve slightly chilled (14–16°C) to enhance its rich, mellow character. …
more >>>
Price: £1,280.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Blandys, 1976
Verdelho Vintage Madeira
18.5/20 -Grandes Escolhas
150cl Magnum Bottle in Individual Box
PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
Crafted by the renowned Blandy family, who have been producing Madeira wine since 1811, this Verdelho showcases the balance and longevity that Madeira wines are celebrated for. Matured in seasoned American oak casks using the traditional canteiro method, this wine has developed extraordinary depth over decades.
Tasting Notes:
This exceptional 1976 vintage from Blandy’s offers a beautifully complex bouquet of dried fruits, orange peel, toasted nuts, and a touch of smoky spice. On the palate, it’s vibrant and medium-dry, with layers of caramel, citrus zest, and saline minerality, culminating in a long, elegant finish. …
more >>>
Price: £395.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Bramaterra, 1976
Luigi Perazzi
Produced mainly with Nebbiolo grapes cultivated on the slopes of Monte Rosa, west of Gattinara, of medium aging, 2 years minimum, it comes from a knowledgeable use of aging wood. Of ruby color, complex scents of mature fruit and spices, fresh and austere body. It's suited for a medium/long aging.
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Brunello di Montalcino, 1976
Svetoni
Brunello de Montalcino is one of Italys most famous and most expensive red wines. It is produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino located about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of Florence in the Tuscany wine region. Brunello, roughly translated as "nice dark one" is the unofficial name of the clone of Sangiovese used in production.
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Cabernet, 1976
Rocca Bernarda
Very forward nose of leather and cherries, liquorice wild strawberries, ripe plums and pencil .The palate is very nice balance of sweet fruit and acidity.
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Cannonau Di Sardegna, 1976
Jerzu Soc Coop Vitivinicola
The Cannonau (also known as Cannonao, Cannonadu or Canunau) is the most popular wine from the island of Sardinia. It's mostly produced in the centre of Sardinia, even if we can find production of this famous wine in all the island. The grapes used for this Sardinian wine is the Cannonau. (At least 90 % of this grapes has to be used to be certified as original Cannonau). Cannonau is a very "strong wine" so it should be used with elaborate red meat and some types of cheese.
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Angelus, 1976
St Emilion Grand Cru Classe
Château Angélus 1976 is a rare mature Saint-Émilion from one of Bordeaux’s most historic estates, offering nearly fifty years of evolution in bottle. The warm, dry 1976 vintage produced richly fruited wines in their youth, and today this Angélus shows the graceful, tertiary complexity that only long ageing can bring. The nose is beautifully developed, with aromas of dried cherries, cedar, leather, old cigar box and subtle earthy spice.
On the palate, the wine is elegant and fully resolved, with softened tannins and a gentle, silky texture. Flavours of dried red fruits, forest floor, tobacco and sweet spice mingle seamlessly, supported by a persistent savoury finish. …
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Price: £245.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Beychevelle, 1976
St Julien 4me cru classe
This 1976 Chateau Beychevelle wine has retained its immensely enjoyable, plummy, fat, fruity character. This seductive effort from Beychevelle continues to provide surprising pleasure.
About Château Beychevelle Chateau Beychevelle is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history that dates back to the 17th century, the estate has garnered a reputation for producing exceptional red wines. Spanning approximately 90 hectares, the vineyard benefits from gravelly soils and a favorable microclimate, ideal for nurturing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
Chateau Boyd-Cantenac, 1976
Cantenac Margaux 3rd Growth Classification
The 1976 Château Boyd-Cantenac is a well-aged Third Growth Margaux, originating from a hot and dry vintage that resulted in early harvests. While 1976 Bordeaux wines initially showcased ripe fruit and richness, some lacked long-term balance due to the extreme weather conditions. Now, nearly 50 years later, this vintage remains an interesting but fragile example of aged Margaux.
With time, this wine has developed delicate tertiary aromas, though reports suggest that its bouquet fades quickly once opened. On the palate, it may exhibit softened fruit, earthy notes, and a tired structure, indicating that it has likely surpassed its peak. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 7 in Stock
Chateau Branaire-Ducru, 1976
St Julien, 4th Growth Classification
The 1976 Château Branaire-Ducru is a fascinating example of a Bordeaux wine from a year marked by extreme weather conditions. As a Fourth Growth estate in the Saint-Julien appellation, Branaire-Ducru is known for its refined and well-balanced wines, and this vintage was shaped by an unusually hot and dry summer. The intense heat led to thick grape skins and high tannin levels, resulting in bold and structured wines across the region. However, rain during the harvest introduced some dilution in certain cases, leading to a mixed vintage overall.
Upon release, the 1976 Branaire-Ducru displayed a medium ruby hue, with aromas of ripe fruit, spicy oak, caramel, and hints of toffee. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Cantemerle, 1976
Haut-Medoc
The 1976 Cantemerle is mature and complex nose with leather, cigar box and just a little red berries. On the palate it is surprisingly fresh but rather lean. Not much fruit, as earthy notes have taken over. On the palate it has a relatively high acidity and smooth tannins. Enjoyed best accompanying food.
About Château Cantemerle Chateau Cantemerle is an esteemed wine estate situated in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the estate is one of the oldest in the region and holds the distinction of being classified as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 20 in Stock
Chateau Clos L'Eglise, 1976
Pomerol
Mid Shoulder level
Excluded from our guarantee
The 1976 Clos de l'Église is a wine from the Pomerol appellation in Bordeaux, France. Pomerol is renowned for its Merlot-driven wines that exhibit richness, depth, and finesse. The 1976 vintage, while not among the top Bordeaux vintages, offered ripe and approachable wines due to a very warm and dry growing season, leading to earlier-maturing wines with softer structures.
Wine Overview
Clos de l'Église is a respected estate in Pomerol, producing small quantities of wines that highlight the appellation’s signature elegance. The 1976 vintage is likely composed of:
Merlot (dominant): Providing lush, ripe fruit flavors and softness. …
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Price: £75.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Clos L'Eglise, 1976
Pomerol
The 1976 Clos de l'Église is a wine from the Pomerol appellation in Bordeaux, France. Pomerol is renowned for its Merlot-driven wines that exhibit richness, depth, and finesse. The 1976 vintage, while not among the top Bordeaux vintages, offered ripe and approachable wines due to a very warm and dry growing season, leading to earlier-maturing wines with softer structures.
Wine Overview
Clos de l'Église is a respected estate in Pomerol, producing small quantities of wines that highlight the appellation’s signature elegance. The 1976 vintage is likely composed of:
Merlot (dominant): Providing lush, ripe fruit flavors and softness. …
more >>>
Price: £159.00
Stock: 5 in Stock
Chateau Haut Batailley, 1976
Pauillac 5th Growth Classification
1976 Château Haut-Batailley – A Mature Pauillac from a Warm Vintage
The 1976 Château Haut-Batailley comes from a vintage defined by a hot, dry summer, resulting in wines with ripe fruit, moderate acidity, and early accessibility. As a fifth-growth estate in the Pauillac appellation, Château Haut-Batailley is known for producing wines with finesse and balance, often leaning toward an elegant rather than overpowering style. The 1976 vintage initially produced wines with good structure and warmth, but over the years, they have softened and evolved into more delicate, tertiary-driven expressions of classic Bordeaux. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 11 in Stock
Chateau Kirwan, 1976
Margaux 3me Cru Classe, Bordeaux
The 1976 Château Kirwan is a fascinating vintage from this historic Third Growth estate in Margaux. Produced during a year marked by extreme heat and drought, the wine was initially celebrated for its ripe fruit and generous character. However, with nearly 50 years of aging, its evolution has been highly dependent on storage conditions, making each bottle a unique experience.
With time, the wine has developed tertiary characteristics, offering aromas of aged wood, dried fruits, leather, and hints of green herbs. The palate is soft and smooth, with subtle remnants of red fruit, though the structure has likely mellowed significantly. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 10 in Stock
Chateau La Lagune, 1976
Medoc Grand Cru Classe
The 1976 Château La Lagune is a well-aged Third Growth Haut-Médoc, originating from a hot and dry vintage that led to early-ripening wines. The 1976 Bordeaux vintage produced wines that were initially rich and ripe, though some lacked the acidity for long-term aging. Now, nearly 50 years later, this wine remains a fascinating example of how well Haut-Médoc wines can evolve with proper storage.
With time, the 1976 La Lagune has developed complex aromas of black currants, leather, cocoa, and mint, reflecting its maturity. The palate is described as medium-bodied, juicy, and balanced, with softened tannins and lingering flavors of red and blackberries. …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: 24 in Stock
Chateau La Lagune, 1976
Medoc Grand Cru Classe Damaged labels
The 1976 Château La Lagune is a well-aged Third Growth Haut-Médoc, originating from a hot and dry vintage that led to early-ripening wines. The 1976 Bordeaux vintage produced wines that were initially rich and ripe, though some lacked the acidity for long-term aging. Now, nearly 50 years later, this wine remains a fascinating example of how well Haut-Médoc wines can evolve with proper storage.
With time, the 1976 La Lagune has developed complex aromas of black currants, leather, cocoa, and mint, reflecting its maturity. The palate is described as medium-bodied, juicy, and balanced, with softened tannins and lingering flavors of red and blackberries. …
more >>>
Price: £115.00
Stock: 5 in Stock
Chateau Lafite Rothschild, 1976
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe
Château Lafite Rothschild 1976
Vintage & Background
1976 was not one of the most consistent years in Bordeaux, but Lafite Rothschild delivered a standout example — many consider it one of the best Lafites of the 1970s. The growing season had its challenges, yet enough heat and ripeness were achieved to produce a wine that has aged remarkably well.
Appearance & Nose
In the glass the wine shows mature colouring: deep ruby with signs of brick at the rim, and a subtle amber/orange tinge beginning to show at the edges. On the nose expect classic mature Pauillac aromas — dried black fruits (blackcurrant, plum), cedarwood, cigar ash, graphite, hints of leather, mushroom, and tobacco. …
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Price: £695.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Latour, 1976
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe (Top Shoulder, glue banded label)
Very dark for its age; meat juice and tobacco on the nose, convincing complexity, a lot of tannin, almost some primary fruit, minerals, lovely balance, complex and very long, powerful. A hint of fruit sweetness in the finish.
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Price: £425.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Chateau Latour, 1976
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe
Very dark for its age; meat juice and tobacco on the nose, convincing complexity, a lot of tannin, almost some primary fruit, minerals, lovely balance, complex and very long, powerful. A hint of fruit sweetness in the finish.
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Price: £445.00
Stock: 6 in Stock