2023 will be remembered as an unpredictable yet promising vintage, characterized by wines of great interest due to the balance between freshness and aromatic potential. An alternation of warm and rainy periods challenged vineyard management, but the careful attention given to the vines allowed their characteristics to be fully expressed. Unlike 2022, which was defined by a hot and dry climate that promoted uniform ripening, 2023 experienced significant meteorological events that influenced the vine’s vegetative cycle without compromising quality.

Winter recorded above-average temperatures, with a mild January and average precipitation. In contrast, February saw a drastic reduction in rainfall and slightly lower temperatures compared to the past decade, slowing the vine’s vegetative awakening. During spring, cool and warm phases alternated, accelerating the phenological cycle and leading to a rapid, uniform flowering by the end of May.

Summer was marked by variable conditions: while the season appeared very similar to previous ones until June, July brought abundant rainfall and violent storms, with hailstorms affecting the Collio and Isonzo areas, causing limited damage to vineyards facing west or northwest. August recorded above-average rainfall, accumulating greater water reserves than in recent years. These conditions slowed veraison and postponed the harvest, which began on September 7—a delay of 7–10 days compared to 2022.

In terms of production, yields were 25% lower than the previous year. However, the grapes demonstrated good quality, with a slightly lower-than-average sugar content but high acidity, ensuring balance and freshness along with excellent aromatic potential.

2022 witnessed notable shifts in weather patterns. The year began with temperature inversions and a prolonged dry period with below-average rainfall. Budding commenced around 10^th April and flowering was earlier than usual, with the first blossoms already open by 19^th May. Spring experienced minimal rainfall, a trend that continued through the warm, dry summer months, leading to drought in certain areas. Irrigation became necessary, especially in the plains, but nevertheless, the grapevine cycle proceeded normally, with veraison of the pinot grigio around 11^th July. August and, notably September, saw rain which contributed to excellent ripening. The final quarter of the year remained dry, with minimal water supply. Grape quality was excellent, with above average sugar accumulation, and total acidity and pH in line with historical precedents. The wines present a round, intricate profile in their early years, with excellent ageing potential, particularly in the case of Merlot.

January and February recorded normal temperatures and optimal rainfall, while March was drier with unstable temperatures. Lymph rise began in the middle of the month. Late frosts hit fruit trees on 7th and 8th April, but fortunately did not lead to significant damage to the vines.

Budding began towards the second half of April, starting with chardonnay, sauvignon and tocai friulano. The month of May, together with May 2019,  was one of the coldest in the last 30 years, with the lowest temperatures since 1991. Flowering began in the first week of June as temperatures rose and despite low rainfall, ended quickly thanks to the good water resources of the soils. Veraison began at the end of July – beginning of August, late compared to the previous year. August presented average temperatures. The first two weeks of September were dry, and we picked a large part of the white grapes in ideal weather conditions. The last three months of the year continued dry.

Grape quality was very good, in particular for medium and medium-late ripening grapes. Acidity levels and pH remained good, thanks to the temperature excursions that characterized the lead in to the harvest.

NOT PRODUCED

The months of January and February witnessed sparse rainfall and above-average temperatures, while the arrival of spring brought in cold and rain. Lymph rise began in mid-March and due to drought was slightly delayed and irregular. Bud break, on the other hand, commenced in early April, ahead of the norm. May brought chilly weather with abundant rain, while June saw temperatures soaring past 30 degrees, leading to exceptionally swift flowering. Veraison began  towards the end of July, which together with August, was  marked by scorching hot days and low rainfall. Picking began in the first week of September, in fine weather which persisted well into late autumn.

Production was lower than in 2018, but quality was high, with small grape clusters making the extraction of aromatic substances particularly interesting.Wines from the 2019 vintage have remarkable elegance, with a rich complexity of aromas and an interplay of acidity and salinity which adds depth and character on the palate