Chianti Classico vintage 2021: lower grapes but excellent quality

The 2021 harvest followed a hot July and August and almost two months of drought. Well-timed rain late in August helped the organic grapes reach harvest in healthy condition, although the wider estate expected a yield 10–15% below 2020.

Continuous vineyard monitoring, green manure, low-nitrite and low-nitrate fertilizers and limited copper and sulfur supported the organic regime. Picking of biodynamically managed Gugliaie Sangiovese began in mid-September, accompanied by the annual gathering of Filippo’s family and friends.

Fruit selection took place in the vineyard, before arrival at the sorting belt and again on the belt. Fico fermented in open barriques and Per Filo in open tonneaux. Racking occurred within several weeks and was timed through the Maria Thun biodynamic calendar. Both wines then matured in the same vessels used for their fermentation.