Vintage Reports

Sardinia was wet, wet, wet after many years of drought-like conditions. Copious rainfall and even some snow refilled almost-empty reservoirs. After the rains, which lasted throughout spring, July weather was 2018 HARVEST

in line with years past. This did bring on Peronospora, but this mostly affected those who were not able to act in a timely manner. Particularly lush and vigorous vines needed canopy management. Veraison began slightly later and harvest began in August with earlier ripening grapes.

RENATO SPANU of JANKARA

This year was a very challenging vintage due to the weather, but, all in all, we were able to put solid quality wines in the tank. It will be a more elegant vintage, for Vermentino in particular, with about 13.5% alcohol.

RAFFAELE CANI of CANTINA SANTADI

Harvest 2018 was characterized by an unusual climate, with (well) above-average precipitation (about 800 mm compared to a seasonal average of 450-500 mm) and hot but not boiling temperatures. This favored balanced plant production, which all leads to good grape maturation. In spite of the abundant showers during harvest season, we were able to pick healthy grapes with the right numbers on analysis for quality wines, thanks to winemaking skill and the timeliness of harvest. The vineyards on the coast, sandy and ungrafted, enjoyed better weather in that there was only 500mm of rain. This all contributed to perfectly healthy grapes, with an excellent concentration of sugar and polyphenols, allowing for the production of excellent quality wines that maintain the standards set by Santadi. While the wines are not completed at the moment, they seem fresh, with good acidity, good aromas and balanced alcohol.

Winter and spring were normal while June and July were particularly wet with hot but not scorching temperatures. This helped the maturation process and prevented water stress. The phenological phases of the vines were normal. What really tormented them this year were the rains, which led those who did not intevene swiftly, to disease. However, those who were able to stop them in their tracks will enjoy excellent quality, also due to good day/night temperature swings. The balance in sugar and acidity is good and quantities should be around 4.9 million hectoliters.

MICHELE FARO of PIETRADOLCE

This was not an easy harvest simply for the weather conditions. We started picking in early October and fortunately, we were able to bring in all of our best crus (Barbagalli, Archineri, Rampante, Santo Spirito and Sant’Andrea) in pretty dry weather. Around 10 or 12 October though, it began to rain almost every other day, something that caused some problems. In any case, we were able to bring in rather good quality grapes in terms of our entry-level wines. It’s a normal vintage. Not excellent, but not mediocre either. Yields were also normal.

Winter in Puglia was mild and the temperatures in January and February were in line with the seasonal average. Low humidity benefited the different phases of the cycle (budbreak, flowering and fruit set). Repeated rains, hail and storms affected some areas until the end of April. There were some problems with disease thanks to sirocco winds and afternoon storms interrupted phenological development. A good but accelerated season, with flowering in late May. Thankfully, there were little to no problems with disease, but scorching temps in early August forced emergency irrigation for some. All in all, the climate proved excellent for the vine, allowing them to develop healthily. The nice weather and warm temperatures continued into fall, with excellent ventilation on top of it. Grapes were able to reach perfect maturation. Early analyses look good for sugar and acidity. The quantity of wine and must produced should be 9.7 million hectoliters.