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Some notes on recent growing years:
2004
Daytime temperatures during this growing season were never excessively high, and night figures were fairly low; the resulting daily temperature ranges favoured accumulation and preservation of aromas in the fruit. The season held no big surprises nor problems, so it represented a return to normal season parameters, quantity included: yields reached the maximum allowed by the Production Code, after two years of small crops. The weather brought out the differences inherent in each of the Franciacorta viticultural micro-areas, so that one can expect the various Franciacorta base wines to vary significantly, depending on their source areas, but all with superb delicacy and healthy acidity. All of this augurs cuvées that will be very crisp and clean, with rich aromatics, exhibiting notable distinctiveness, and superb ageing potential.
2003
Rain was quite scarce in the first nine months of this year. Early spring saw low temperatures that in some areas caused light bud damage, but temperatures rose to above average, in particular during the summer, bringing on a very early harvest. These overall weather conditions ensured very healthy fruit and above average sugar levels. Yields both in the vineyard and in the cellar were off from previous years because of decreased water availability in the soils and consequent greater juice concentration in the berries.
Expectations are for Franciacorta with healthy alcohols and exceptionally complex aromatics.
2002
A particularly harsh, dry winter resulted in uneven and rather laboured budbreak, which veered back to normal when favourable spring weather brought about renewed vegetative growth. Cold rainy days characterised the flowering period, thus negatively impacting fruit set and leading to less than average cluster weight. Following the month of June, particularly warm and dry, summer showed low average temperatures and considerable rain, with periods of hail. Overall, the resultant harvest brought in less fruit than recent averages; on the other hand, the compositional parameters of the fruit, in particular an impressive sugar-acid relationship, augur well for lengthy ageing of Franciacorta on the lees and thus for the suitability of this vintage for some striking vintage-dated versions.
2001
The growing season saw fairly low average temperatures up to fruit set, with continuous, well-spaced periods of rain, resulting in clusters that were not too tight. Following fruit set, the weather changed markedly, temperatures shot up and rain became quite scarce from veraison onwards, favouring optimal ripening. The fruit was quite healthy, with excellent compositional balance, yielding very clean Franciacorta base wines with good sugar-acid ratios, exhibiting varietal fragrances that are quite rich but elegant as well, portending a great vintage.
2000
The growing season saw low temperatures and little humidity preceding veraison, but from veraison to harvest (August 18) the weather was quite warm, dry, and windy. The fruit showed excellent sugar-acid balance. The must yield in sampled vineyards came in at 5,850 l/ha. The must destined for Franciacorta showed excellent alcohols, modest residual sugars, healthy pH and very good acidity, while the base wines were well structured and full bodied, aromas and fragrances that were complex, intense, and very notably delicate.
1999
1999 was another vintage marked by extremely low yields in our vineyards, which translated into concentrated, complex wines. The ripening of the fruit marked out for Franciacorta base wines was ideal, with diurnal temperature ranges at harvest time ensuring good development of aromatic components. Good year as well for Terre di Franciacorta whites and reds.
1998
This year was notable for markedly low yields per hectare, as a result of lack of rain in the period following veraison. But lack of rain during harvest brought optimal ripening in all varieties. Quality was extremely high both for Franciacorta DOCG and for the Terre di Franciacorta whites; all of the reds, Terre di Franciacorta Rosso and IGT Sebino Pinot Noir, were exceptional.
1997
The growing season enjoyed perfect weather conditions. Yield was slightly less than the preceding year, although quality was excellent. We would rank it as a five-star vintage, remarkably fine for both the Terre di Franciacorta whites and reds.
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