Features of the 2019 vintage

Boscarelli rated 2019 excellent. Rain was scarce in the first quarter, particularly in March, while January was cooler and February and March warmer than their seasonal averages. April and May brought abundant rain; April was seasonally normal, whereas May was markedly cool. June was dry and warmer than normal. July and August remained warm, but temperatures exceeded 35–36°C on very few days. Most summer rainfall was concentrated on 28–29 July and 23–24 August. September temperatures were normal, with rain concentrated on 22–24 September. November and December were warm and very wet. April–May and November–December supplied 538 mm, or 65%, of the annual 824 mm total.

Budbreak extended from 29 March to 19 April because early-April temperatures remained close to the vine’s 10°C growth threshold. Cool conditions kept shoots below 80 cm through late May. Temperatures then rose quickly, accelerating growth and producing rapid, simultaneous flowering from 4 to 14 June. Flower shatter and millerandage left looser-than-normal bunches. Bud fertility was high, frequently producing two bunches per shoot.

Water and warmth encouraged vigorous early growth, but the dry June and much of July gradually reduced reserves, slowed shoot activity and limited berry size. Torrential rain at the end of July restored water conditions. Véraison ran from 2 to 23 August across exceptionally uniform and healthy rows; crop load was reduced in some vineyards. September supplied favorable ripening conditions. Rain late that month and in early October increased berry weight and delayed the beginning of harvest, requiring rapid picking to avoid overripeness and botrytis. Low spring temperatures had restricted fungal pressure, though European grape moth caused localized damage. Most Sangiovese was harvested between 25 September and 10 October.

The wines showed intense colour, medium-high alcohol, substantial polyphenols and extract, average acidity and pH, strong varietal aromas, concentration and a fine tannic texture.