"For quality we need to see what happens in the next two weeks. In Fiano we will have an increase in quantity versus last year, but we remain below average. Particularly in Greco, some areas were seriously impacted and quantity decreased heavily – in line with past year but 40 percent to 50 percent below average. "We experienced heavy rain (and, unfortunately, hailstorms) in both areas. Antonio Capalado, proprietor of Feudi di San Gregorio, one of the region's most respected producers, reports problems in the white wine districts of both Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino. Rain – again – was a major problem, in the south, especially in Campania. "At this moment," de la Feld says, "we are very satisfied about the quality of the vintage, because with selected bunch thinning we focused work on the photosynthesis of the grapes, and ripening is carrying on perfectly." "2018 was one of the most beautiful years since 2006," Felici comments.Īlso in the Jesi area, Ondine de la Feld of Tenuta di Tavignano reports a normal crop size again, heavy rains caused a great deal more work than usual in the vineyards. ![]() Overall, though the weather cooperated – especially with cool summer nights – and he is upbeat about this year. Before the summer we expected to start the harvest at the end of September but the Sangiovese will be ready before then in the majority of the territory."Īt the Andrea Felici estate in the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi zone in north-central northwest Marche, Leopardo Felici reports that heavy rains caused multiple problems, from disease (peronospera, a type of downy mildew) to possible botrytis, due to autumn rains. "The grapes are showing wonderful condition, very fresh and almost ripe (keeping our fingers crossed), capable of giving us a classic style wine with plenty of harmony and balance. The last big storm hit the area on August 24 and Ricasoli-Firidolfi is hoping for as little rain as possible these next few days, "so the grapes reach their full maturation."Īt Fontodi, near the middle of Chianti Classico in the village of Panzano, properietor Giovanni Manetti noted a "very pleasant" summer, with some showers "perfect to rehydrate the vines." Manetti is optimistic, but also keeping his fingers crossed for his Sangiovese harvest. In fact, in some areas of southern Italy, it has rained 1000 percent more than average." While June and July were ideal, he reports that the conditions were quite variable from July 20 to August 23, with "sultry heat and often afternoon thunderstorms. While this precipitation was needed after drought conditions the last two years, bud break started late. "I don't like to say it," remarks Ceretto, "but it (the 2018 harvest) is going to be a really good one."Īt Rocca di Montegrossi in Gaiole, in far southern Chianti Classico, properietor Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi notes that the weather was quite unusual in 2018, beginning with very rainy and cold conditions in February and March. While he says that it is difficult to compare this year with most years, he does think it resembles 2014, and he praised this year for its "very high quality."Īt Ceretto, Alessandro Ceretto noted that while the whites were harvested somewhat early this year, the reds are now all coming in together, due to recent warm temperatures, while the cool nights helped preserve acidity. ![]() Harvest did begin on time, unlike last year's very early harvest the size of the crop is quite good and overall, he is pleased with the quality of the fruit. In Asti, Luigi Coppo also suffered some disease in his vineyards, requiring a thinning of his crop. She notes that Nebbiolo production for her Barbaresco will probably be between September 22 and 25, with harvest in her Barolo vineyards shortly after that. One problem she did deal with was severe loss of production due to fungal diseases this year as Oddero is an organic producer, these maladies are more likely to affect viticulture such as hers. Verdicchio: Italy's Latest Cellaring Celebrity Oddero reported that there were no hailstorms in her vineyards, although there was hail damage in other parts of the region, especially in Barbaresco. Increased temperatures from mid-April were followed by frequent rains in May and June, meaning there would be no drought conditions in the area, as was the case the previous three years. Yet, as is typical in a nation with so many different climatic conditions from north to south, there were significant problems, as reported by producers, especially regarding rain.Īt Poderi Oddero, a renowned Barolo producer in La Morra, Cristina Oddero noted that February and early March was quite snowy winter was long and spring arrived late. © Ceritapic | The harvest is in full swing and it's a bit of a mixed bag.įollowing a torridly hot year in 2017 throughout most of the country, 2018 has been a return to more normal conditions for Italian vintners.
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