1999
Weather
Winter was characterized by cold temperatures and rainfalls, which have granted a good water supply to the soil. Springtime was mild and sunny and has favoured the good blooming of the vines, followed by a good flowering and setting. A rather cool but sunny summer has allowed to pick up the grapes slightly earlier and in healthy conditions. Early grape varieties (Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc) have been harvested during the last week of August, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon. Verdicchio vintage began in mid-September, and shortly after, we started harvesting the red grapes.
Quality
White grapes, Verdicchio above all, experienced a very good maturation, with high concentrations of sugar, acids and aromatic substances. This portends an ‘excellent’ quality for our Verdicchio wines. In some cases we have harvested grapes with alcoholic degrees above 14% vol.!
Among the red varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have proved very well. Montepulciano needed more time to acquire colouring, polyphenolic and tannic substances. This obliged us to slow down the harvest nuntil the grapes were fully mature. Anyway we are quite optimistic and the first proofs and devattings are confirming our belief.
Quantity
Compared to 1998 vintage, the production of Rosso Conero has not recorded any decrease The general production of the DOC Verdicchio, has recorded a 15% reduction due to the early hail in May in some areas, which has obliged to a hard selection of the grapes.
