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Vintage Reports - Italy
Castello Vicchiomaggio - Greve in Chianti (Chianti Classico)
During the first three months of the year, in common with most of Europe, we had above average rain fall, followed by summer heat during the first two weeks of April. This stimulated the vines and the buds opened between the 11th -14th April, two weeks ahead of normal. This exposed the vineyards to the danger of late frost which, fortunately, did not occur.
The subsequent flowering was also ten days ahead, beginning around the 15th -17th May. We then enjoyed very well balanced weather during early June and good very warm well ventilated weather to date.
The final colour change “invaiatura”commenced on the 17th July for our Sangiovese, about 12 days ahead of usual, we can therefore expect to harvest slightly early. The “invaiatura” for our Cabernet and Merlot has yet to begin.
John Matta - IWSC Italian Winemaker of the Year 1997, 2002, 2005, 2010
