Harvest 2025 at Nittardi
A vintage of rain, balance and patience
Harvest 2025 will be remembered as a vintage built drop by drop. From November 2024 until the end of picking, no more than twenty days ever passed without rain: a steady rhythm that accompanied our vineyards in Chianti Classico and the more Mediterranean Maremma throughout the entire growing season.
It was not the total rainfall that defined the character of the year—around 900 mm in Chianti Classico and about 1,200 mm in Maremma—but rather its consistent distribution, often in small events. Even during the warmest phases of summer, June and August, rainfall or brief thunderstorms were never far away. Temperatures never rose above 36°C, allowing the vines to maintain a rare balance compared to recent years.
This constant water availability, combined with a moderate summer, supported the vines without stress: the canopy remained green and active, and ripening progressed steadily. At the same time, it was a demanding year in the vineyard, with fungal disease pressure requiring continuous attention and precision.
Seasonal development
After persistent rainfall until mid-October 2024, November brought the first drop in temperatures and December turned out to be relatively dry. Pruning began in the first days of December, starting with the younger vineyards and the higher sites around the Nittardi estate and the Villa Rosa area (Castellina in Chianti).
Winter was mild and fairly dry, while March and April returned with unstable conditions, slowing down vine growth. Budbreak started on April 1st in the earliest sites (especially in Maremma and at Villa Rosa), while at Nittardi and San Giorgio (San Donato in Poggio) it was delayed by around ten days.
April and May were the most delicate months: in Maremma, around 220 mm of rainfall fell, bringing high humidity and strong downy mildew pressure. Vineyard work was crucial, thanks to careful soil management, regular copper- and sulphur-based treatments, and constant monitoring, especially in the most exposed plots.
June and July remained moderate, with temperatures around 32–35°C. In Chianti Classico, vine growth stayed healthy and well balanced; in Maremma, varieties such as Vermentino, Roussanne, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese benefited from slow, steady ripening. Veraison began in mid-July in Maremma and at Villa Rosa, while at Nittardi and San Donato it followed about 10–15 days later.
Harvest
August alternated stable weather with timely rainfall, slowing down ripening and supporting aromatic complexity and freshness. Harvest began on September 1st in Maremma with Vermentino and Roussanne, followed by the first parcels of Merlot and Sangiovese. From September 10th, picking started in Chianti Classico, with even ripening and healthy fruit.
Harvest was completed on September 26th, with the final parcels harvested in the coolest sites of Chianti Classico.
Conclusions
2025 was a vintage that demanded great daily attention, yet delivered remarkable harmony. The wines already show a clear profile: energy, purity, refined tannins and bright acidity that promises longevity.
In both Chianti Classico and Maremma, Harvest 2025 is the result of a generous climate and careful viticulture: a vintage of balance rather than power, of elegance rather than force. A year that reminds us that sometimes it is continuity—not exception—that truly makes the difference.
