Puglia saw very rainy weather in spring, which caused irregular budding. Flowering was also late and fruit set was imperfect. Finally, nice weather arrived in late June, which benefitted the growth cycle. There were plenty of storms in June and July and veraison began late. This meant early-ripening grapes were harvested late. The white grapes showed good sugar and acidity while the red grapes should have good, structured tannins. Overall quantity will be down 15%.
The weather starting last fall was very rainy and cool, leading to good water reserves. Spring started out cool and continued through May, which saw frequent storms, slowing the cycle here too. The timing of the different phases was in line with the average, so slower than what we’ve seen over the last vintages. Quantity will be down but quality will be excellent, especially in the reds.
ROMANO D’AMARIO of IL FEUDUCCIO
The 2019 Harvest has just ended and we are just about to finish the first racking. We are also in the middle of our olive harvest. We had a particularly favorable season – the aromatic profile of the white grapes matured perfectly, and potential alcohol won’t be too high. The musts appeared more varietal than last year, and the wines more complex on the nose, fresh but not piercing on the palate. Harvest for the red varieties took place during a persistent drought, a tiny bit late, and the musts have medium-high sugar content, with a powerful and ripe polyphenolic profile. At the same time, sufficient acidity, more tartaric than malic. The wines already appear balanced, with excellent color intensity. They are not extremely alcoholic and very elegant.
Almost all the seasonal average of rain took place in May this vintage and June and July were scorching hot, with still a lot of rain. May’s low temps and rainfall slowed the cycle here as well, even 10 days later. In late August, there were some storms, lowering temperatures. The quality of the grapes seems to be excellent thanks to the water reserves accumulated in May. Quantities will be down 15%.