2000
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 sunny summer has allowed for the grapes healthy conditions. The end of August has been characterized by ‘African’ temperatures ( around 40° C) and this has brought to a further anticipation of the harvest. Unfortunately, in the most sun-exposed vineyards, the grapes suffered from the heath and this has obliged to a strong selection of the grapes. The quantity produced, which was lower than the average, has further decreased. Luckily, in the second week of September, some rainfalls have allowed an excellent harvest. Early grape varieties, Merlot and Chardonnay, have been harvested from 17th August, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon in the following week. Verdicchio vintage started in the beginning of September. Montepulciano vintage lasted from 18th September until 14th October.
Quality
The grapes we harvested have matured very well, and present a high concentration of sugar, acids and aromatic substances. This portends an ‘excellent’ quality of the wines, which may recall the 1999 vintage of our white wines and the 1998 vintage of our red wines. the red wines are rich in anthociyanin and therefore very ‘coloured’.
Quantity
Unfortunately the high temperatures recorded in the end of August have obliged to select strongly the grapes, whose quantity was already below the average. In the end the production has recorded a 10%-20% decrease compared to 1999, reflecting the average of Marche’s production.
Our Winemaker says...
Despite the fact that we were obliged to harvest the grapes two weeks before the traditional harvest time of our area, we put a great care in selecting the grapes and in harvesting in the right moment of maturation. Thanks to a long permanence on the vine, the bunches have concentrated precious organoleptic substances. In the end we can say that, despite being long and exhausting, the 2000 vintage has been very satisfactory and will bear big wines!
