Harvest 2023: awareness and respect for the natural rhythms of the vine

But let's have a look at the aspects that most marked the harvest.

The months preceding the harvest were characterized by a rather mild winter with low rainfall resulting in reduced water accumulation in the water table. This  brought a water shortage in the vegetative recovery phase, slowing down the phenological stages of the vine with delayed flowering compared to last season.

March recorded temperatures above the seasonal average, in contrast to April, which had substantial temperature drops but with consistently below-average rainfall.

Subsequent unexpected variability characterized May and early June, delaying the regular summer weather pattern. Frequent rainfall events, however, gave impetus to vegetative recovery, thanks in part to an increase in temperatures through the end of July.

Thereafter, the season became more complex with peaks of heat alternating with sudden rainfall. The first decade of August saw temperatures well below average before closing with a final surge.

From the second decade of August, the weather was stable and sunny with peak temperatures touching 37°/38° (95-100 °F) between August 22nd and 25th.

In late August, a disturbance marked a sharp drop in temperatures, which then stabilized in the early days of September in very sunny, breezy days with dry, cool nights.  

As for the vegetative cycle, to a regular sprouting that occurred a few weeks early, flowering continued smoothly, as did fruit set.

The subsequent sharp rise in temperatures resulted in lower quantitative yields in favor of higher quality and good balance.

The harvest was postponed compared to that of 2022, starting between the end of August and the first days of September, a month characterized by a long favorable weather condition with sunny and cool days bringing excellent aromatic concentration to the Garganega and Trebbiano Toscano varieties.

The first varieties harvested were the early white grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Incrocio Manzoni. Then, starting from the second half of September: Bianca Fernanda (synonym of Cortese B.), Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano and Trebbianello (synonym of Tocai Friulano) main varieties for Custoza DOC and Custoza Superiore Cà del Magro DOC wines were harvested in succession.

Meanwhile, harvesting was also completed in the Valpolicella Classica wine region, at our Lena di Mezzo estate, where the grapes of Amarone DOCG wine (Corvina, Corvione and Rondinella) were laid down in cashes to rest and begin the drying phase (appassimento). Here, the harvest, which began in mid-September, lasted until October 20.

"What makes our harvest unique," comments Elia Bortolamai, winery oenologist, "is the extent and variability of Monte del Frà's production areas. Each area has unique climatic conditions and soils that result in the extraordinary diversity and variety of wine production while maintaining the high quality level of the wines".

"Once again," explains Marica Bonomo (owner and export manager), "we have shown that we can manage, thanks to cutting-edge techniques, experience and increasingly sustainable agriculture the effect of climate change by focusing on quality and territorial identity.

In addition, The vineyard and cellar team is truly extraordinary: energy, passion are the company's leitmotif" The results obtained are also thanks to a close-knit team that is committed every day to produce quality wines that respect our territory."