Harvest on the Horizon

The 2021 Brunello had just been bottled and was resting ahead of its scheduled January release. Its modest yield produced a structured and intense wine, while bottling also freed tanks, barrels and cellar space for the approaching harvest.

In the vineyard, cooler July weather and useful rain were followed by a warm start to August. From mid-August, milder days and cool nights favoured ripening. Veraison began early in the month and was complete by 20 August. The fruit showed strong colour, good sugar levels, lively acidity and encouraging balance. Stable weather was expected to permit picking in early October, with the season recalling 2010 to Luciano Ciolfi.