Wein-News SigiHiss

by Sally Easton MW – Chianti Classico is suffering a strange and difficult vintage according to Daniele Rosellini, oenologist for the Consorzio Chianti Classico. He said: “We had a cold and wet May, and late flowering. The flowering was not homogenous, across Tuscany, or within the same vineyard. The quality is good but the quantity is lower, and we have to work much more, maybe doing two harvests in the same vineyards.”

The rain was followed by a hot, dry couple of months over the summer with temperatures reaching 35°C and above. But it is the cooler than usual night time temperatures during the latter part of September for which producers are grateful, saying the cold nights have preserved acidity and freshness in the fruit. Tommaso Marrocchesi Marzi of Tenuta di Bibbiano, in Castellina in Chianti, said their night time temperatures were 5-6°C cooler than usual. A similar degree of extra night time coolness was experienced by John Matta, at Castello di Vicchiomaggio, in Greve in Chianti, which, he said, has both avoided mildew issues, and delayed picking. And in Gaiole in Chianti, at Barone Ricasoli’s higher altitude vineyards, harvest is expected to be up to two weeks later than normal, despite the summer heat.

Nonetheless, producers are generally happy with the quality. Alessandro Sderci at Podere Il Palazzino (Gaiole) said: “We had every problem but it’s better than I expected. In the end September was wonderful, with cold nights, sunny days and the grapes ripened very well. I’m sure it will be a wine for long keeping.”