Contini begins its 128th harvest under persistent extreme heat

Harvest began in the Bassa Valle del Tirso and Sinis vineyards between Cabras, Nurachi and Riola Sardo. The season remained early compared with a decade before but followed a similar timetable to 2025. Persistent heat accelerated sugar accumulation and made daily observation essential, since even a few days could affect freshness.

Extremely dry weather created concern about lower yields but left the grapes in excellent health and greatly reduced fungal-disease pressure. After sparkling-wine fruit, picking was scheduled to move through Vermentino, Nieddera for rosé and the red varieties. Vernaccia for Vernaccia di Oristano DOC was due at the end of September, followed in early October by overripe Vernaccia for Pontis. Continuous monitoring and cellar-temperature management were identified as the keys to maintaining must balance.