Note from Montespertoli, Tuscany, Italy

It’s that time of year, when grapes transition to wine, it’s harvest time! As with most of 2022, the vineyard has been through ups & downs!

What started as an ideal growing season deteriorated in spring with no rain when flowering turns to fruit. Excessive June heat increased to blazing temperatures in July and August. Heat and a lack of crucial rainfall deeply affected the vineyard.

Organic certified winemaker Luca Nesi practices dry farming with no irrigation to his plants. Instead using other remedies to mitigate vine stress such as canopy management, growing natural vegetation as cushioning layers to retain moisture and prevent soil splitting, organic kaolin clay applications to reflect heat and sun. Many grapes ripened earlier and in smaller clusters. A lower yield is anticipated, however having survived a season of intense strain, the grapes picked will be the hardiest and of better quality. Hence less wine but superior to larger yields.

The 2022 vintages will have unique aromatic and flavor profiles we are yet to enjoy. As the harvest progresses, Luca and his team will produce quality wines reflecting Montespertoli’s distinctive terroir with Madre Natura-Mother Nature’s final expression on a challenging season.