Even if this is a particular year and with uncertain times, the harvests in Italy have begun and many have managed to finish it along the boot, last week without hitches. The growing season began earlier this year with a short winter and a warm, sunny spring. May and June were unusually cool with lots of rain (and work) in the vineyards. Finally August was very hot again and Merlot began to be harvested in Maremma, for example, during the first week of September. The weather during the month of September was quite unstable so it took many a little over a month to harvest all the grapes.
While it is early to make a verdict the first impression is that the quality of the grapes this year is very good while the quantity is much lower than in past years due to bad weather during the growing season, this will ensure that we will have this year according to the most expert oenologists a high quality of wines, from north to south, from the fine wines of central-northern Italy, to the less known but equally high-level wines of southern Italy.
In Italy there are many opportunities to taste and appreciate the atmosphere of the harvest with the numerous initiatives scattered throughout the national territory, from visits to vineyards and cellars, intent on the early stages of processing the grapes, tastings of must and wine, with the ‘inevitable combination with typical local products, brunches, lunches and aperitifs, workshops and harvest experiences for children. For the winemakers, the harvest is certainly the most important moment from the point of view of production, but it is also one of the most intense and cheerful, in which it is a pleasure to be able to share that typical atmosphere, made up of commitment, sharing, harmony, with admirers of Italian wines.
We are waiting for you in the cellar!
Villanis Mario 