Vintage Reports

The weather in 2020 saw little rain in many parts of the region, so some emergency irrigation was needed. This drought led to a lower number of flowers. Less water and high temperatures in early March brought budbreak early. Unfortunately, black rot has made an appearance in Emilia with winemakers working hard to combat this disease. Harvest times and quality differed between greatly between hills and flatlands. As a result, many harvests required extreme patience, drawing out over a long period of time to make sure grapes were picked when they reached their peak ripeness. Harvest began in August for earlier ripening varieties and sparklers and ending in early October for others. Quality is expected to be excellent.

Winter was dry with warmer temperatures though there was some rain around March. However, some winemakers required emergency irrigation to guarantee budbreak. Flowering took place around 20 May, about ten days earlier than the year prior. The weather in June and July was variable and bunch closure took place in late June. August was beautiful, with some scattered showers that contributed to diurnal temperature changes, which are beneficial to aromatic complexity, especially in white grapes. As for the health of the grapes, there were few problems with disease and rot. Harvest began in late August, especially for sparkling wines, while Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero and some Sauvignon started in early September followed by Traminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Glera and Ribolla Gialla. Reds were harvested in late September. Red production is much lower this year, to make Prosecco Rose’. Quality will be excellent and production will be down about 9%.

Winter was mild with short periods of cold and rain. There was some frost, but it was very sporadic, in different parts of Puglia. The weather was sunny and breezy, perfect for budbreak. June and July were hot, interrupted only by occasional cooler periods that however favored development. Red grape harvest began mid August and finished in September. Quality is expected to be excellent due to the good health of the grapes as well as the sugar levels and excellent acidity.