Belguardo Rosé

As for the previous autumn months, 2022 opened with a winter that proved particularly lacking in rainfall, and was characterised by the presence of prolonged periods dominated by high pressure systems, and significant temperature fluctuations without, however, periods of intense cold.

During the months of March / April, there were intermittent rainfalls in the Maremma area, which favoured the regular phenological growth of the vines, followed by a period of great vigour and abundant flowering, which was favoured by the warm and dry climate, and resulted in good fruit-setting.

Summertime temperatures were recorded as early as May, and the summer months were torrid, all of which was accompanied by a lack of rainfall; these conditions, certainly unfavourable in some respects, from a plant-protection point of view resulted in limited pathogenic attacks on the vines, easily managed by appropriate measures in the vineyard.

The dry climate resulted in a moderate growth of the berries, with some water stress localised in the drier areas.

The rainfalls in mid-August were beneficial, substantially re-aligning ripening times, which peaked a few days earlier than the previous year.

The 2022 harvest produced perfectly healthy grapes, with a higher sugar content than the average for recent years. The small berries and the concentration reached during the summer months point to a harvest suited to the production of well-structured, long-aging red wines.

Beginning of the harvest: August 22nd, 2022

End of the harvest: September 28th, 2022

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 449 mm

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4.113 °C

Evaluation: Good

The 2021 season opened on the heels of an autumn and winter characterized by typical temperatures and good rainfall, which guaranteed the build-up of an abundant water supply.

A spring cold snap, with temperatures already below the national average, led to a sudden drop in temperatures in April and the freezes of April 7 and 8. This event damaged some of the already well-developed buds, thus limiting future fruiting, in particular of Sangiovese, Vermentino and Syrah. In terms of production, there were differences from zone to zone and also from vineyard to vineyard. In some, the damage was more apparent while in others, the losses were partially reabsorbed. In any case, from May forward, the vines bounced back with favorable bud development and excellent flowering in a generally dry climate.

In July and August, along with a rise in temperatures and an extraordinary heat wave, the vineyards were once again put to the test. Following an early veraison (signs showing already between late July and early August), on August 24th, rainfall finally arrived, dropping 28 mm of relief, which gave a boost to the vines, re-establishing a favorable diurnal temperature variation and ensuring optimal conditions for final ripening.

Despite the fluctuations in climate, the grapes were healthy and in excellent phytosanitary condition. Early analytical findings indicate a wine with great concentrations, high polyphenolic values on the red grapes and medium-high alcohol content, but with a good sugars-to-acidity ratio.

Beginning of the harvest: August 28th, 2021

End of the harvest: September 23rd, 2021

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 106 mm

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3.937 °C

Evaluation: Very good

After the heavy rains of November and December 2019, 2020 brought mild temperatures and low rainfall from January to July, with the exception of late March when bud fertility was partially set back by sharp drops in temperature. August was hotter than average, with temperatures rising to 37-38°C (98.5-100.5°F) for several days, bringing forward the beginning of the harvest to 27 August. Showers on the 30 and 31 August slowed down the ripening process, allowing the rest of the harvest to proceed at a more regular and orderly pace.
All in all, the weather pattern over the year allowed the grapes to ripen well, leading to a good yield of healthy fruit. There was an excellent concentration of aromatic properties in the white wines; the red wines had good alcohol levels and remarkable colour intensity, thanks in part to considerable diurnal temperature ranges which raised aromatic and polyphenolic levels in the grapes. Overall, the 2020 harvest was high in quality, a result that amply made up for a dip in yield compared to the previous year.

Beginning of the harvest: August 27th
End of the harvest: September 24th
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 270 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3815 °C
Evaluation: Very good