Overall, the 2025 harvest went very well. We don’t want to be repetitive, but remember that here the climate is generally very regular thanks to the mitigating action of the sea. The large swings between one vintage and the next that can plague continental climates are rare. Yet, as you’ll see, a trend is increasingly emerging that differs somewhat from the past.
Rain fell abundantly between winter and early spring, with rainfall levels exceeding the territory’s average. This trend has been recurring in recent years, to the point that it’s likely a permanent condition. In the 1990s, the region had a total annual rainfall of around 600 mm. In the decades since, rainfall has stabilized at around 800 mm. Last year, we had almost 1,400 mm annually. This year, we’re getting close to that. Rainfall is concentrated in the period from late autumn to early spring, sometimes up to and including May.
Rainfall here has historically been the most significant constraint. Barring exceptional events, increased rainfall is positive for a Mediterranean environment like ours. Rainfall in winter and spring is essential to replenish the aquifers and support the vines during the long, dry summer, a period without significant rainfall that extends from May/June until September. This prevents overly concentrated and heavy wines, imparting elegance and complexity to the aromas. it is important to accommodate this with appropriate work, designed to achieve a balanced production. Naturally, this requires a careful selection of the most suitable varieties, depending on the terroir and the specific micro-conditions of the area (hills or plains, soils, etc.).
After Easter, the weather began to warm, punctuated by some rain, but mostly sunny and very well-breezed. In June the usual long, dry, hot, and breezy summer started, with a few weeks of scorching heat. We had to wait until September for some rain to return, which gave the plants a break, but without causing humidity problems thanks to the usual winds.
The harvest of the various varietals, as has been the case for a couple of years now, came closer together. We began on September 13th with the Vermentino, and on the 15th we harvested the Campo Bianco of Criseo. Immediately afterward, we began with the reds, starting with Syrah and Sangiovese, the various lots of Jassarte, and finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon on September 28th. It was a lot of work, and unlike in the past, there were no break periods between each vineyard or variety.
This year, we also began harvesting the Campo Lupinaio vineyard, which, being in its third year, yielded about 30% of its potential. An interesting aspect concerns the parcels that had suffered from the flood of September 23, 2024: they showed exceptional growth. The debris from the Fossa di Bolgheri likely significantly enriched the soil with organic matter. Otherwise, however, overall, yields were slightly lower than average, likely due to a lower fruit set in June.
Thanks to our hard work and a fantastic terroir, the quality is excellent. The grapes were very healthy, well concentrated but not excessively so, with fantastic aromas. The 2025 vintage will yield slightly less wine (alas, for example, for Jassarte), but it will be of great value.