For those interested in the world of viticulture, a walk through the Sangiovese grapes vineyards today can be very instructive. It is clear where and why the grapes have suffered and, where and why the grapes have held up well these very hot and dry weeks.
Younger vineyards whose vines have shallower roots show suffering, as well as vineyards whose exposure did not allow to adequately protect all the clusters from the sun – here some clusters look half in good health and the other half burnt. Conversely, some very healthy grapes are in the ‘older’ vineyards or whose exposures and altitudes have saved them from more aggressive sun. The reduced production has fortified the vines that have found the resources to react to stress.
Now the temperatures drop, the nights are cool. No precipitation is expected yet. Some water would be welcome (yet it could arrive not delicate and the grapes are now more susceptible than ever to heavy rain or even hail, so who knows if it is better to hope for it or not!)
2021 harvest will be difficult: this is a fact.
We have quite high expectations despite such a challenging vintage: this is also a fact (to date!)
