The 2024 growing season unfolded as a year of contrasts and challenges, marked by unusual climatic variations. After a mild winter with limited rainfall, the season started early, with above-average temperatures accelerating bud break in late March and early April. However, a subsequent drop in temperatures halted bud growth for three weeks, restoring the rhythm of the season to a more typical pace.
Spring brought mild weather accompanied by frequent rains, which persisted through the flowering period and into early summer. From late April to mid-July, both Chianti and Maremma experienced weekly rainfall, requiring meticulous and timely management of canopy growth and phytosanitary treatments to ensure optimal vine health. July and August, by contrast, were warm and dry, bringing stability to the vineyards.
The Harvest
The harvest began in Maremma in September and progressed at a measured pace, influenced by intermittent rain showers and cooler-than-usual temperatures. Patience was key as the grapes required more time to ripen. To counter the impact of abundant rainfall, we implemented leaf-thinning across most of our vineyards to improve ventilation and sunlight exposure.
In Chianti, the harvest commenced in the third week of September and concluded on October 17—an unusually late finish for us. This extended timeline allowed for a gradual and complete maturation of the grapes.
The Wines of 2024
The 2024 harvest yielded an abundant crop with a slow accumulation of sugars, reflecting the year’s higher-than-average rainfall. Achieving full ripeness demanded greater care and patience compared to recent years, where earlier ripening was more typical.
Despite these challenges, the final quality of the grapes—and consequently, the wines—is exceptional. Careful fermentation management in the cellar ensured that the wines faithfully express the nuances of the season.
The resulting wines are characterized by remarkable aromatic and gustatory finesse, elegant structures, and lower alcohol levels compared to recent vintages. The Sangiovese from Chianti, in particular, evokes the character of vintages from the late 1980s and 1990s, offering a nostalgic reminder of times past while promising great potential for aging.
