2005
Seasonal Report
From a seasonal climate point of view, the winter of 2004/2005 was characterised by heavy rains and unusually heavy snowfall, which favoured the remaining hydric resours. The spring and the most part of the summer were characterised by slightly below average temperatures, nevertheless, the grapes reached a good maturation level in a relatively short time thanks to a rather early germination phase. Weather conditions inhibited the development of vine pests and those that did occur could be controlled quite easily. Additionally, the good leaf hygiene, grape separation- giving improved air flow-and good ventilation, together with a careful control of humidity, prevented mildew damage. The second half of August and the first half of September were characterised by very good temperature variations between night and day, allowing a faster and more complete ripening process.
Quality
The harvest began about two weeks ahead of last year’s harvest and about 7-10 days earlier than the 10 previous harvests. As far as the white grapes are concerned, in particular the Verdicchio grapes, it promises to be a very good vintage, characterised by good to very good sugar levels and also good acidity, which was even higher than the last years average. With regard to red grapes, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese achieved a good maturity, where the second half of September and October was a crucial period for the good phenolic ripening of Montepulciano grapes. As far as the vinification procedure is concerned, we continue to protect our musts and wines from oxidation with the use of a new CO2 system in our cellar in Castelbellino, through which the white grapes are also cooled before being pressed. At our Osimo premises we have, since last year, a new piece of equipment is in use, which enables the lowering of the red grapes temperature before being pumped into the crusher-destemmer and then for storage in the fermentation tanks at a controlled-temperature B>
Quantity
In terms of yeald, we have recorded a decrease of about 15 - 20 % over last year, however this was expected in accordance with last years average. The Abruzzi area’s yield shows more fluctuation due to the micro-area taken into consideration and also since it is only our second vintage from the new Roseto degli Abruzzi estate, we lack the historical data of previous harvests with which to make comparisons.
