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The vintages
2012
Anomalous weather during the winter period, where there were very few precipitations with the excepion of an abundant snowfall in February associated with a week of very low temperatures, well below average for the period, which prolonged the snow cover on the ground. The following weeks were warm and dry. Another note regarding Tuscany, initially underestimated by many: the return of cold weather with frost during the days of Monday and Tuesday after Easter (9-10/04). This unfortunately caused frost damage to buds, with subsequent loss of inflorescences given the anticipated germination, especially for the Sangiovese grape.
April and May were fairly cool and rainy, but the precipitations of that period were not adequate enough to replenish water reserves in the soil. Flowering took place in early June, followed by a rapid growth of fruit set and berries. The months of June, July and August have been characterized by an almost total absence of rain, with temperatures significantly above the seasonal average showing very limited thermal excursions (day/night) which is an exception in regards to the average registered over the past decade.
A decisive change in weather in the last week of August and the first seven days of September gave a positive turn to the season; there were 110 mm of rain and a significant drop in temperatures for both minimum and maximum temperatures, allowing the plants to resume "work" in an optimal manner and consequently arrive to the ripening of the grapes in very good conditions. The veraison occurred for the Sangiovese grapes on July 23rd in the Siepi vineyard (more specifically in the Sodi plot), and on July 24th in the Lago a Cornia plot.
From a sanitary point of view, the grapes have not had any problems and have arrived to the cellar in optimum conditions, there were no symptoms of wilting registered in the grapes (unlike in 2009 and 2011).
The first grapes harvested were Merlot from the Siepi vineyard on August 29th, whereas the first Sangiovese grapes were harvested, again from the Siepi vineyard, on September 24th. This was certainly a particular vintage from a quantitative point of view, giving us a reduction of about 25% -30% of the grapes compared to the previous years. Of course this is due to several aspects, including the frost in April, the dehydration of the grapes and the size of the berries themselves, that in some cases (Merlot) have lost 40-50% of their volume. The harvest ended on October 10th with the collection of the Sangiovese grapes from the Fonterutoli plot.
The agronomical judgment on the vintage is on average good, with peaks of excellence for some of the Sangiovese grapes, whereas, for the earlier harvested grapes (Merlot), the vintage was a little more difficult but still showing good results; Considering that this vintage from a technical point of view (agronomically and oenologically speaking), was very difficult and complex to manage, we can say that it was much better than the 2009 vintage, while we do not yet want give a final judgment regarding the 2012 vintage compared to the 2011 vintage.
Beginning of the harvest: Aug.29
End of the harvest: Oct.10
Rainfall*: 369,8 mm (14.6 inches)
Temperature index*: 3723°C
Evaluation*: Very good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2011
Perfect performance until the end of July / first week of August, given the high rainfall during the winter / spring which created excellent water reserves in the soil; the most critical moment was the middle of August to first week of September due to two extreme heat waves. Two providential rainfalls on July 27 and early September allowed the vines to resume their activities of synthesis of metabolites in the berries; further help came after the first week of September, by the sudden lowering of temperature in the evenings thus creating a greater temperature range.
The quality of the grapes from a health point of view was exceptional, given the almost total absence of rot. From the analytical and taste point of view, the grapes were very rich in sugars, but with great differences in the maturation and quality of the grapes is the diversity of "micro-terroirs".
Beginning of the harvest: Aug.25
End of the harvest: Sep.30
Rainfall*: 181 mm (7.1 inches)
Temperature index*: 3692°C
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2010
The winter period was characterized by temperatures below average with heavy rain and 3 snow storms; spring was cool and wet. From the end of June, the entry of a large area of high pressure brought a long period of sunny and dry weather with peaks of high temperatures in the last week of July which were slightly above the average for the period. The maturation continued throughout the period of September in a very slow and regular manner; the harvest was completed at the end of October (precisely 26/10).
The final evaluation is intended to be an exceptional vintage for us, both regarding the quality of the grapes that have a good range of phenolic content and extraction with the potentials of a great vintage for longevity and aging of wines.
Rainfall*: 488,0 mm (19.2 inches)
Temperature index*: 3421,7°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2009
The winter months had average temperatures and above average rainfall for the period, particularly considering the last 10 years; many days of rain resulted in a regular and prolonged good supply of water in soils. After a regular and uniform germination, the season continued with rains in June, followed by a long period of stability with increasing temperatures (up to 35-38 ° C) and low rainfall, until the first week of September. The climate and the high intensity of light, well above the average for our winery and area, have led to early ripening of the grapes, with particular effect on Malvasia Nera and Merlot (harvested from 31 August). The harvest ended on October 15, with the last grapes of Sangiovese. This vintage is very rich in sugars, but associated with a good acidity due to the characteristics of the area and temperature range. On average the tannins are elegant, combined with discrete levels of phenolic ripeness and color, both for intensity and stability over time.
Rainfall*: 321,4 mm (12.7 inches)
Temperature index*: 3741,5°C
Evaluation*: Good/Very good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2008
The year 2008 was characterized by a winter period of low rainfall and temperatures slightly above average. Spring was due to a very difficult period with frequent rains and temperatures slightly above average from May trough mid-June. Specifically, in the first twenty days of June fell almost 150 mm of rain. The end of June marked an improvement in weather conditions with little precipitation in the month of July and peaks of 37°C reached in the last week of that month. The veraison occurred in the first week of August, which it within company compliance. The months of August and September were characterized by low rainfall (40 mm total)concentrated mainly in two storms, one in mid-August and the other in mid September. This trend fostered a perfect ripening of the grapes, avoiding arrest of maturation due to water stress in the plants. The beginning of the harvest took place on September 12 and ended on October 18. On September 9 and 10 there were substantial temperature fluctuations between day and night, critical for the accumulation of color and the synthesis of aromatic substances.
Rainfall*: 312,8 mm (12.3 inches)
Temperature index*: 3536°C
Evaluation*: Good / Very good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2007
The winter period was characterized by temperatures slightly above average and low rainfall. The phenological phase of sprouting was advanced by about 7 days. The subsequent stages of flowering and setting by about 10/11 days. In June an July there was low rainfall and low relative humidity with temperatures at seasonal averages, the highest reached in the third half of July. The optimal seasonal pattern in the month of August completely eliminated any stripping. The time of veraison was advanced by approximately 8 days. In the next phase between mid-September and October there were optimum conditions, thus bringing the quality of the grapes to excellent levels. In particular, the grapes were characterized by high concentrations of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Tannins in the mouth were especially soft and elegant, with an excellent balance of sugar and acid.
Rainfall*: 199,6 mm (7.86 inches)
Temperature index*: 3630°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2006
The 2006 vintage at Fonterutoli will be remembered as the finest of the last five years. At harvest time the grapes, concentrated and rich in sugars, showed an exceptional level of physiological ripeness. The musts, very elegant, were deeply colored, rich in tannins, and with complex and spicy aromas.
Spring, up until the end of May, was fairly humid and with temperatures slightly below seasonal averages; June and July were dry months, and the weather in July was particularly hot with peaks of over 100°. A violent hail storm struck a part of the vineyards of Fonterutoli, causing significant damage to some twelve acres (five hectares) of vineyards.
The final two months of ripening were characterized by notable temperature swings from nighttime to daytime and prolonged periods of very low humidity, both factors which contributed to an exceptional ripening of the grapes both from the physiological and from the analytical point of view.
The harvest began with the Merlot grapes during the first ten days of September and concluded between October 10th and 20th with the picking of the estate's Sangiovese.
Rainfall*: 367 mm (14.4 inches)
Temperature index*: 4155°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2005
Regular weather conditions prevailed during the winter. The spring, instead, suffered through a significant lowering of temperatures, delaying the bud-break of the Sangiovese. June and July were generally characterized by lower than average rainfall and by higher than average temperatures which led to a slight anticipation of the ripening phase.
Rainfall was notably high during August and September. The rigorous and extensive work in the vineyards, in addition to an improvement of the weather during the last week of September, assisted the final ripening phases of the grapes.
Siepi's Merlot were first grapes to be harvested, on September the 9 th ; the picking of the Sangiovese, instead, did not begin until September 24th and that of the Cabernet Sauvignon until October 14th . Harvesting operations concluded on October 22nd.
Overall quality greatly benefited from the important day to nighttime temperatures swings which continued during the entire harvest period. The grapes – both on the vine and in the cellar – showed a notable color concentration and much aromatic elegance.
Rainfall*: 594,7mm (11.1 inches)
Temperature index*: 3985°C
Evaluation*: Very Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2004
Year 2004 was characterised by normal weather conditions during winter and spring, with both temperatures and rainfall well within the seasonal average. Summer was instead characterised by unusual weather: abundant rainfall and cool temperature contributed to a delaied ripening process. Temperatures begun to rise again after the middle of September and remained warm during the entire month of October, this led to exceptionally positive physiological ripening of the grapes in the various parts of the zone and allow to delay the beginning of the harvest, which started on September 13th with the Merlot; the Sangiovese harvest, instead, began on October 5th and the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 19th.
The overall quality of the grapes was very good indeed, with concentrated and elegant musts, intense in color and rych in polyphenols with supple and velvety tannins.
Rainfall*: 284,2mm (11.1 inches)
Temperature index*: 3520,6°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2003
Year 2003 was characterised by highly unusual weather conditions, with poor rainfall and low temperature in the winter, followed by higher than average temperatures during the spring and the summer, particularly during the month of August. This led to earlier than usual bud break and to an extremely early ripening and harvest. The picking of the Merlot grapes began exceptionally on August 22 nd and ended on October the 2 nd with the Sangiovese grapes. Despite these unusual weather conditions, the overall quality of the grapes was quite good, also due to constant operations in the vineyard: a “stop and go” harvest of the Sangiovese grapes during the month of September in order to optimise the picking of fully ripe grapes and the abundant recourse of dry ice to maintain temperatures within reasonable limits to avoid the skins colouring material oxidation. On the other hand, spring frost caused a 15% drop in yields.
Rainfall*: 206 mm (8.1 inches)
Temperature index*: 3864°C
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2002
The weather during the winter months was normal for this period, while a dry Spring and early summer, with temperatures slightly above average, led to a slight anticipation of the first phases of the vegetative cycle: bud break, flowering, and bud set.
Summer was characterized by lower than usual temperatures and persistent rainfall, both factors which led to delays in ripening, and, in certain cases, particularly in the Sangiovese vineyards, to problems with mould and rot.
Picking began with the Merlot grapes on September 9 th and was characterized by occasional delays, suspension of the harvest, and repeated sweeps through the vineyards to select grapes with the maximum care and attention, discarding unripe or mould-affected bunches. The harvest itself terminated on October 15 th .
This extremely selective harvest led to a significant loss of production, but with an overall quality level notably higher than expected.
Rainfall*: 521 mm (20.5 inches)
Temperature index*: 3385°C
Evaluation*: Mediocre
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2001
The winter was characterised by above average temperatures and normal rainfall. Spring was dominated by abundant precipitation and mild temperatures except for the last twenty days of April, which were marked by occasional frosts which affected the subsequent phases of the growing season and reduced overall production . Rainfall continued up to the month of July, after which a dry and very hot period followed up to mid-September.After an unstable three week period , a high-pressure system brought back sun and warm temperatures.The grapes were in extremely healthy condition at the time of picking despite the somewhat heavy precipitation of late September and early October, but with smaller quantities due to the spring frost and the hot summer period.
Rainfall*: 293 mm (12 inches)
Temperature index*: 3318°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2000
After a mild winter, springtime brought moderate but frequent rainfall and temperatures slightly above seasonal averages, thus creating optimal conditions for the growth cycle of the vines .The summer season was cool and humid at the beginning, thus accelerating the grape ripening process by ten days compared to the average.The very high temperatures and dry climate of the last twenty days of August caused some dehydration problems in the grapes, with a with an occasional tendency to raisining, one of whose consequences was to anticipate the beginning of the harvest . Picking continued until the 20th of October, with sunny days and considerable temperature swings between day and night . A careful selection of grapes during harvest due to some differences in ripeness, particularly in the Sangiovese, resulted in smaller overall quantities , though the grapes were nonetheless very concentrated in sugar, physiologically ripe and balanced in acidity.
Rainfall*: 295 mm (12 inches)
Temperature index*: 3367°C
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1999
Winter was characterised by cold and dry days, while spring brought light but frequent rainfall. The progressively higher temperature which marked a hotter than average month of May led to an acceleration of approximately fifteen days in the vegetative cycle of the vines.This optimal seasonal trend was complemented by a dry and not excessively hot summer, accompanied by a mild harvest period with good temperature variation between day and nighttime. The result was a perfect and uniform ripening, with grapes which, at harvest, showed exceptional concentration levels, good acidity, and high levels of polyphenols.
Rainfall*: 233 mm (9.5 inches)
Temperature index*: 3495°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1998
The 1998 vintage was affected by very peculiar climatic conditions: a mild winter, with low temperatures only toward the last part, and a spring with average temperatures but intense rainfall, which contributed to a good accumulation of water reserves in the soil. The summer was somewhat of an exception, characterised as it was by the absence of rainfall and elevated day and nighttime temperatures during an extended period. Grape ripening was rather irregular at the end of August, but became more uniform during the month of September thanks to the effects of some rainfall and, most of all, lower nighttime temperatures.The result was a range of wines with very balanced color and fruitiness.
Rainfall*: 332 mm (13 inches)
Temperature index*: 3528°C
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1997
The poor winter rainfall, combined with rather high temperatures during the winter and early spring led to a precocious bud break and other initial phases of the vegetative cycle . April 10-20 suffered through a period of springtime frost, but was followed by subsequent months of particularly positive and regular weather and an ideal development and ripening of the grapes in all the later phases of their cycle. The harvest started earlier than usual due to early ripening, but the grapes brought to the cellar were perfectly healthy and of exceptionally fine quality. From the very beginning, the wine appeared to have excellent alcohol levels, total acidity, extract, intensity of colour, and polyphenolic content; but quantity was notably reduced due to the lighter weight of the grapes at harvest and the low yields caused by the spring frosts.
Rainfall*: 308 mm (12.5 inches)
Temperature index*: 3453°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1996
A rather dry and not particularly cold winter was followed by a rather hot spring, with some brief periods of rainfall marked by lower temperatures.These conditions led to an anticipation of the main phenological phases, which anticipated the normal periods by approximately ten days .The summer was very dry, with high temperatures in June and above average temperatures in July and August. September was characterised by frequent rainfalls and below average temperatures, but the sun returned at the end of September, leading to good grape ripening and positive results in terms of concentration and color indexes, though with a total acidity slightly lower than usual.
Rainfall*: (data not available)
Temperature index*: (data not available)
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1995
After a rather regular winter and springtime, the year was characterised by a bizarre summer with much rainfall and temperatures below the seasonal average. Except for bud break , which occurred in the regular period, all the other phases of the growing season took place with delays of approximately 10-15 days, but without significant damage. A variable September was followed by an exceptionally fine month of October which achieved complete grape ripening, a harvest in optimal conditions, and unexpectedly good quality. The finished wines showed high alcoholic content, elevated extract and colour indexes, mediumhigh total acidity and an important phenolic content.
Rainfall*: 307 mm (12.5 inches)
Temperature index*: 3293°C
Evaluation*: Very good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
Legend
Rainfalls: sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th.
Temperature Index: sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th.
Evaluation: Poor - Mediocre - Sufficient - Good - Very good - Outstanding
Anomalous weather during the winter period, where there were very few precipitations with the excepion of an abundant snowfall in February associated with a week of very low temperatures, well below average for the period, which prolonged the snow cover on the ground. The following weeks were warm and dry. Another note regarding Tuscany, initially underestimated by many: the return of cold weather with frost during the days of Monday and Tuesday after Easter (9-10/04). This unfortunately caused frost damage to buds, with subsequent loss of inflorescences given the anticipated germination, especially for the Sangiovese grape.
April and May were fairly cool and rainy, but the precipitations of that period were not adequate enough to replenish water reserves in the soil. Flowering took place in early June, followed by a rapid growth of fruit set and berries. The months of June, July and August have been characterized by an almost total absence of rain, with temperatures significantly above the seasonal average showing very limited thermal excursions (day/night) which is an exception in regards to the average registered over the past decade.
A decisive change in weather in the last week of August and the first seven days of September gave a positive turn to the season; there were 110 mm of rain and a significant drop in temperatures for both minimum and maximum temperatures, allowing the plants to resume "work" in an optimal manner and consequently arrive to the ripening of the grapes in very good conditions. The veraison occurred for the Sangiovese grapes on July 23rd in the Siepi vineyard (more specifically in the Sodi plot), and on July 24th in the Lago a Cornia plot.
From a sanitary point of view, the grapes have not had any problems and have arrived to the cellar in optimum conditions, there were no symptoms of wilting registered in the grapes (unlike in 2009 and 2011).
The first grapes harvested were Merlot from the Siepi vineyard on August 29th, whereas the first Sangiovese grapes were harvested, again from the Siepi vineyard, on September 24th. This was certainly a particular vintage from a quantitative point of view, giving us a reduction of about 25% -30% of the grapes compared to the previous years. Of course this is due to several aspects, including the frost in April, the dehydration of the grapes and the size of the berries themselves, that in some cases (Merlot) have lost 40-50% of their volume. The harvest ended on October 10th with the collection of the Sangiovese grapes from the Fonterutoli plot.
The agronomical judgment on the vintage is on average good, with peaks of excellence for some of the Sangiovese grapes, whereas, for the earlier harvested grapes (Merlot), the vintage was a little more difficult but still showing good results; Considering that this vintage from a technical point of view (agronomically and oenologically speaking), was very difficult and complex to manage, we can say that it was much better than the 2009 vintage, while we do not yet want give a final judgment regarding the 2012 vintage compared to the 2011 vintage.
Beginning of the harvest: Aug.29
End of the harvest: Oct.10
Rainfall*: 369,8 mm (14.6 inches)
Temperature index*: 3723°C
Evaluation*: Very good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2011
Perfect performance until the end of July / first week of August, given the high rainfall during the winter / spring which created excellent water reserves in the soil; the most critical moment was the middle of August to first week of September due to two extreme heat waves. Two providential rainfalls on July 27 and early September allowed the vines to resume their activities of synthesis of metabolites in the berries; further help came after the first week of September, by the sudden lowering of temperature in the evenings thus creating a greater temperature range.
The quality of the grapes from a health point of view was exceptional, given the almost total absence of rot. From the analytical and taste point of view, the grapes were very rich in sugars, but with great differences in the maturation and quality of the grapes is the diversity of "micro-terroirs".
Beginning of the harvest: Aug.25
End of the harvest: Sep.30
Rainfall*: 181 mm (7.1 inches)
Temperature index*: 3692°C
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2010
The winter period was characterized by temperatures below average with heavy rain and 3 snow storms; spring was cool and wet. From the end of June, the entry of a large area of high pressure brought a long period of sunny and dry weather with peaks of high temperatures in the last week of July which were slightly above the average for the period. The maturation continued throughout the period of September in a very slow and regular manner; the harvest was completed at the end of October (precisely 26/10).
The final evaluation is intended to be an exceptional vintage for us, both regarding the quality of the grapes that have a good range of phenolic content and extraction with the potentials of a great vintage for longevity and aging of wines.
Rainfall*: 488,0 mm (19.2 inches)
Temperature index*: 3421,7°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2009
The winter months had average temperatures and above average rainfall for the period, particularly considering the last 10 years; many days of rain resulted in a regular and prolonged good supply of water in soils. After a regular and uniform germination, the season continued with rains in June, followed by a long period of stability with increasing temperatures (up to 35-38 ° C) and low rainfall, until the first week of September. The climate and the high intensity of light, well above the average for our winery and area, have led to early ripening of the grapes, with particular effect on Malvasia Nera and Merlot (harvested from 31 August). The harvest ended on October 15, with the last grapes of Sangiovese. This vintage is very rich in sugars, but associated with a good acidity due to the characteristics of the area and temperature range. On average the tannins are elegant, combined with discrete levels of phenolic ripeness and color, both for intensity and stability over time.
Rainfall*: 321,4 mm (12.7 inches)
Temperature index*: 3741,5°C
Evaluation*: Good/Very good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2008
The year 2008 was characterized by a winter period of low rainfall and temperatures slightly above average. Spring was due to a very difficult period with frequent rains and temperatures slightly above average from May trough mid-June. Specifically, in the first twenty days of June fell almost 150 mm of rain. The end of June marked an improvement in weather conditions with little precipitation in the month of July and peaks of 37°C reached in the last week of that month. The veraison occurred in the first week of August, which it within company compliance. The months of August and September were characterized by low rainfall (40 mm total)concentrated mainly in two storms, one in mid-August and the other in mid September. This trend fostered a perfect ripening of the grapes, avoiding arrest of maturation due to water stress in the plants. The beginning of the harvest took place on September 12 and ended on October 18. On September 9 and 10 there were substantial temperature fluctuations between day and night, critical for the accumulation of color and the synthesis of aromatic substances.
Rainfall*: 312,8 mm (12.3 inches)
Temperature index*: 3536°C
Evaluation*: Good / Very good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2007
The winter period was characterized by temperatures slightly above average and low rainfall. The phenological phase of sprouting was advanced by about 7 days. The subsequent stages of flowering and setting by about 10/11 days. In June an July there was low rainfall and low relative humidity with temperatures at seasonal averages, the highest reached in the third half of July. The optimal seasonal pattern in the month of August completely eliminated any stripping. The time of veraison was advanced by approximately 8 days. In the next phase between mid-September and October there were optimum conditions, thus bringing the quality of the grapes to excellent levels. In particular, the grapes were characterized by high concentrations of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Tannins in the mouth were especially soft and elegant, with an excellent balance of sugar and acid.
Rainfall*: 199,6 mm (7.86 inches)
Temperature index*: 3630°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2006
The 2006 vintage at Fonterutoli will be remembered as the finest of the last five years. At harvest time the grapes, concentrated and rich in sugars, showed an exceptional level of physiological ripeness. The musts, very elegant, were deeply colored, rich in tannins, and with complex and spicy aromas.
Spring, up until the end of May, was fairly humid and with temperatures slightly below seasonal averages; June and July were dry months, and the weather in July was particularly hot with peaks of over 100°. A violent hail storm struck a part of the vineyards of Fonterutoli, causing significant damage to some twelve acres (five hectares) of vineyards.
The final two months of ripening were characterized by notable temperature swings from nighttime to daytime and prolonged periods of very low humidity, both factors which contributed to an exceptional ripening of the grapes both from the physiological and from the analytical point of view.
The harvest began with the Merlot grapes during the first ten days of September and concluded between October 10th and 20th with the picking of the estate's Sangiovese.
Rainfall*: 367 mm (14.4 inches)
Temperature index*: 4155°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2005
Regular weather conditions prevailed during the winter. The spring, instead, suffered through a significant lowering of temperatures, delaying the bud-break of the Sangiovese. June and July were generally characterized by lower than average rainfall and by higher than average temperatures which led to a slight anticipation of the ripening phase.
Rainfall was notably high during August and September. The rigorous and extensive work in the vineyards, in addition to an improvement of the weather during the last week of September, assisted the final ripening phases of the grapes.
Siepi's Merlot were first grapes to be harvested, on September the 9 th ; the picking of the Sangiovese, instead, did not begin until September 24th and that of the Cabernet Sauvignon until October 14th . Harvesting operations concluded on October 22nd.
Overall quality greatly benefited from the important day to nighttime temperatures swings which continued during the entire harvest period. The grapes – both on the vine and in the cellar – showed a notable color concentration and much aromatic elegance.
Rainfall*: 594,7mm (11.1 inches)
Temperature index*: 3985°C
Evaluation*: Very Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2004
Year 2004 was characterised by normal weather conditions during winter and spring, with both temperatures and rainfall well within the seasonal average. Summer was instead characterised by unusual weather: abundant rainfall and cool temperature contributed to a delaied ripening process. Temperatures begun to rise again after the middle of September and remained warm during the entire month of October, this led to exceptionally positive physiological ripening of the grapes in the various parts of the zone and allow to delay the beginning of the harvest, which started on September 13th with the Merlot; the Sangiovese harvest, instead, began on October 5th and the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 19th.
The overall quality of the grapes was very good indeed, with concentrated and elegant musts, intense in color and rych in polyphenols with supple and velvety tannins.
Rainfall*: 284,2mm (11.1 inches)
Temperature index*: 3520,6°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2003
Year 2003 was characterised by highly unusual weather conditions, with poor rainfall and low temperature in the winter, followed by higher than average temperatures during the spring and the summer, particularly during the month of August. This led to earlier than usual bud break and to an extremely early ripening and harvest. The picking of the Merlot grapes began exceptionally on August 22 nd and ended on October the 2 nd with the Sangiovese grapes. Despite these unusual weather conditions, the overall quality of the grapes was quite good, also due to constant operations in the vineyard: a “stop and go” harvest of the Sangiovese grapes during the month of September in order to optimise the picking of fully ripe grapes and the abundant recourse of dry ice to maintain temperatures within reasonable limits to avoid the skins colouring material oxidation. On the other hand, spring frost caused a 15% drop in yields.
Rainfall*: 206 mm (8.1 inches)
Temperature index*: 3864°C
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2002
The weather during the winter months was normal for this period, while a dry Spring and early summer, with temperatures slightly above average, led to a slight anticipation of the first phases of the vegetative cycle: bud break, flowering, and bud set.
Summer was characterized by lower than usual temperatures and persistent rainfall, both factors which led to delays in ripening, and, in certain cases, particularly in the Sangiovese vineyards, to problems with mould and rot.
Picking began with the Merlot grapes on September 9 th and was characterized by occasional delays, suspension of the harvest, and repeated sweeps through the vineyards to select grapes with the maximum care and attention, discarding unripe or mould-affected bunches. The harvest itself terminated on October 15 th .
This extremely selective harvest led to a significant loss of production, but with an overall quality level notably higher than expected.
Rainfall*: 521 mm (20.5 inches)
Temperature index*: 3385°C
Evaluation*: Mediocre
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2001
The winter was characterised by above average temperatures and normal rainfall. Spring was dominated by abundant precipitation and mild temperatures except for the last twenty days of April, which were marked by occasional frosts which affected the subsequent phases of the growing season and reduced overall production . Rainfall continued up to the month of July, after which a dry and very hot period followed up to mid-September.After an unstable three week period , a high-pressure system brought back sun and warm temperatures.The grapes were in extremely healthy condition at the time of picking despite the somewhat heavy precipitation of late September and early October, but with smaller quantities due to the spring frost and the hot summer period.
Rainfall*: 293 mm (12 inches)
Temperature index*: 3318°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
2000
After a mild winter, springtime brought moderate but frequent rainfall and temperatures slightly above seasonal averages, thus creating optimal conditions for the growth cycle of the vines .The summer season was cool and humid at the beginning, thus accelerating the grape ripening process by ten days compared to the average.The very high temperatures and dry climate of the last twenty days of August caused some dehydration problems in the grapes, with a with an occasional tendency to raisining, one of whose consequences was to anticipate the beginning of the harvest . Picking continued until the 20th of October, with sunny days and considerable temperature swings between day and night . A careful selection of grapes during harvest due to some differences in ripeness, particularly in the Sangiovese, resulted in smaller overall quantities , though the grapes were nonetheless very concentrated in sugar, physiologically ripe and balanced in acidity.
Rainfall*: 295 mm (12 inches)
Temperature index*: 3367°C
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1999
Winter was characterised by cold and dry days, while spring brought light but frequent rainfall. The progressively higher temperature which marked a hotter than average month of May led to an acceleration of approximately fifteen days in the vegetative cycle of the vines.This optimal seasonal trend was complemented by a dry and not excessively hot summer, accompanied by a mild harvest period with good temperature variation between day and nighttime. The result was a perfect and uniform ripening, with grapes which, at harvest, showed exceptional concentration levels, good acidity, and high levels of polyphenols.
Rainfall*: 233 mm (9.5 inches)
Temperature index*: 3495°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1998
The 1998 vintage was affected by very peculiar climatic conditions: a mild winter, with low temperatures only toward the last part, and a spring with average temperatures but intense rainfall, which contributed to a good accumulation of water reserves in the soil. The summer was somewhat of an exception, characterised as it was by the absence of rainfall and elevated day and nighttime temperatures during an extended period. Grape ripening was rather irregular at the end of August, but became more uniform during the month of September thanks to the effects of some rainfall and, most of all, lower nighttime temperatures.The result was a range of wines with very balanced color and fruitiness.
Rainfall*: 332 mm (13 inches)
Temperature index*: 3528°C
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1997
The poor winter rainfall, combined with rather high temperatures during the winter and early spring led to a precocious bud break and other initial phases of the vegetative cycle . April 10-20 suffered through a period of springtime frost, but was followed by subsequent months of particularly positive and regular weather and an ideal development and ripening of the grapes in all the later phases of their cycle. The harvest started earlier than usual due to early ripening, but the grapes brought to the cellar were perfectly healthy and of exceptionally fine quality. From the very beginning, the wine appeared to have excellent alcohol levels, total acidity, extract, intensity of colour, and polyphenolic content; but quantity was notably reduced due to the lighter weight of the grapes at harvest and the low yields caused by the spring frosts.
Rainfall*: 308 mm (12.5 inches)
Temperature index*: 3453°C
Evaluation*: Outstanding
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1996
A rather dry and not particularly cold winter was followed by a rather hot spring, with some brief periods of rainfall marked by lower temperatures.These conditions led to an anticipation of the main phenological phases, which anticipated the normal periods by approximately ten days .The summer was very dry, with high temperatures in June and above average temperatures in July and August. September was characterised by frequent rainfalls and below average temperatures, but the sun returned at the end of September, leading to good grape ripening and positive results in terms of concentration and color indexes, though with a total acidity slightly lower than usual.
Rainfall*: (data not available)
Temperature index*: (data not available)
Evaluation*: Good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
1995
After a rather regular winter and springtime, the year was characterised by a bizarre summer with much rainfall and temperatures below the seasonal average. Except for bud break , which occurred in the regular period, all the other phases of the growing season took place with delays of approximately 10-15 days, but without significant damage. A variable September was followed by an exceptionally fine month of October which achieved complete grape ripening, a harvest in optimal conditions, and unexpectedly good quality. The finished wines showed high alcoholic content, elevated extract and colour indexes, mediumhigh total acidity and an important phenolic content.
Rainfall*: 307 mm (12.5 inches)
Temperature index*: 3293°C
Evaluation*: Very good
(*) see legend at the foot of the page
Legend
Rainfalls: sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th.
Temperature Index: sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th.
Evaluation: Poor - Mediocre - Sufficient - Good - Very good - Outstanding
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