The harvest will begin about a week earlier than last year. It will be a complex but promising harvest, where the skill and experience of the winemakers will make the difference in selecting the grapes in the vineyard and separating the must in the cellar.
"The vintage was characterized by a marked advance in vine development starting in spring," says Roberto Paladin , owner with his brother Carlo. " The intense heat of June played a significant role in accelerating the phenological stages, and the prolonged drought of the same month put the plants to a severe test. From a qualitative standpoint, it will be the older vines that will provide the greatest satisfaction."
The vintage began with a winter that provided the necessary cold for the vines. A mild spring followed, leading to early budbreak and, consequently, an acceleration of all phenological phases. The season continued regularly, with good rainfall, allowing for optimal plant development and regular flowering. The season was characterized primarily by the intense heat of June, which required emergency irrigation for the young vines, while the older vines, with their deep root systems, tolerated these extreme conditions better. The average age of Castello Bonomi's vineyards is 20 years.
The year was also marked by two hailstorms. The first occurred at the end of May and struck some of the plants, but the damage was limited, and the dry weather allowed the affected berries to dry out. The second occurred in July and caused fairly significant damage, but limited to small portions of the vineyard.
Despite these two events, the vintage is satisfactory, albeit challenging, with good acidity and sugar levels, essential for sparkling wines. These are the ideal conditions for producing Franciacorta with long aging, in line with the company's philosophy.
