It’s been a tough year for winemakers. Reeling from a destructive frost in the spring followed by drought and exceedingly high temperatures, even at night, in the summer, grape growers have registered a 30 per cent loss in berries for the 2017 vintage. The animals didn’t help matters: not finding water in the usual places, Tuscany’s wild boar gouged on the grapes. Lucky rascals.
“The loss will vary from area to area, but 100 million euro is a ballpark estimate,” commented Francesco Colpizzi, president of the viticulture section of Confagricoltura Toscana. “The main difficulties are in the Maremma, along the coast and around Montepulciano. The rain just before the harvest helped to recover something, but it will be a difficult year for Tuscan wine.”
The hope is that quality will make up for the quantity. Aromas are unlikely to be affected and might prove more striking, while the water stress will have its impact, upping the sugar content but also the acidity. For the 2017 vintage, more than any other, experience and expertise in the cellar will make the difference.
Wine events this autumn in Tuscany
Racking in Montalcino
Historic winery Fattoria dei Barbi beckons wine lovers into its cellars for the birth of Brunello. On September 30 and October 1, visitors can witness la svinatura, the racking, a key moment in the winemaking process when the fermentation finishes and the wine emerges warm, aromatic and dense. The cellar visit ends with an exclusive preview of the vintage and a buffet meal at the producer’s on-site restaurant Taverna dei Barbi. Tours begin at 11am and 4.30pm.The experience costs 50 euro per person and booking is required by email to info@fattoriadeibarbi.it or by phone 0577/841111.
Sculptures at Il Borro
Nestled in the Valdarno di Sopra, Ferragamo-owned organic wine estate Il Borro brims with life this autumn with temporary exhibition “Unexpected Guests” featuring contemporary sculptures by five artists: Claudio Nicoli, Marco Cipolli, Paolo Staccioli, Andrea Roggi and Marco Borgianni. The exhibition is an extension of the Vino&Arte Gallery, which includes a tasting of the estate’s wines. Tours take place daily at 11am and 3pm, upon reservation by email to winetour@ilborro.it. Until November 30.
Montescudaio wine festival
Happy 50th to the Festa del Vino Montescudaio DOC! Venture to this hillside town 15 kilometres from the coast, not far from Cecina, on September 30 and October 1 for tastings, typical products and a spectacular firework display. Take the opportunity to taste the sunshine and sea air in wines such as Cantina Pakravan-Papi’s Cancellaia, with overriding aromas of green pepper and mint, organic winery Colline di Sopra’s lean and long Ramanto, and Fontemorsi’s Guadipiani, a sophisticated Sangiovese-Merlot blend.
