Azisa

Slightly above average temperatures were recorded in December and January, but these were offset by cold weather and abundant rainfall in February. Throughout Sicily, spring was characterised by frequent rainfall, with accumulations in May well above historical averages for the period. The vineyards' position between the Hyblean Mountains and the sea meant they benefited from constant currents that considerably reduced leaf wetting. The rains created an excellent water reserve, allowing for constant and homogeneous bunch growth. During the summer, two heatwaves with maximum temperatures exceeding 40 °C were recorded in the third week of July and the first week of August. The veraison phase of the bunches was slightly delayed by these temperatures, but vegetative development returned to normal in the first week of September thanks to the lower temperatures and the abundant rainfall, which was unusual for the period. These conditions led to the grapes achieving excellent phenolic and aromatic ripening. In terms of quantity, there was a modest decrease compared to the company average for both white and red grapes.

Beginning of the harvest: August 86th, 2023
End of the harvest: September 30th, 2023
Rainfall Index (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 171 mm
Temperatures Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4.144 °C

The winter was characterised by below average temperatures, with some frosts and low levels of rainfall, which laid down the basis for good plant health conditions.

The vegetative awakening and fruit-setting stages benefitted from the mild spring temperatures, which ended in May with the arrival of a series of heat waves.

The summer was extremely anomalous by Sicilian standards, with peak temperatures over 40°C, but with sudden and substantial temperature changes, and light rainfall in September, that delayed the harvest by 10 days, with respect to previous years.

The result of the harvest is most satisfactory, yielding a production of elegant wines, in line with the company’s research.

Beginning of the harvest: August 26th, 2022

End of the harvest: October 5th, 2022

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 183 mm

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4.299 °C

Evaluation: Good

The hot, dry summer contributed to delaying the harvest until September, with much milder temperatures and better air quality, thanks to some long-awaited and much-needed rainfall.

In terms of the climate and wine results, it is very reminiscent of the unequivocal 2014 vintage. Very elegant wines obtained with extremely impressive structure and good body. A balance achieved over the years through the confluence of plant soil and climate, also evolves in 2021 heralding plenty of satisfaction.

Beginning of the harvest: August 26th, 2021

End of the harvest: October 5th, 2021

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 83 mm

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4.286 °C

Evaluation: Very Good

Following a pattern set in recent years, rainfall levels in 2020 were very low. A period of cold at the beginning of the year aided vine dormancy and made for optimal pruning conditions.

Vegetative growth began in early March, almost two weeks earlier than average; this precocity continued through flowering and fruit set thanks to higher spring temperatures which persisted through the month of May.

The dry spell broke at the beginning of June with a few light showers which came just in time to replenish water supplies for the summer months. After two atypical years, summer fell back into a more normal rhythm for Sicily with very hot dry days and sharp temperature drops overnight. This pattern continued until the end of September, allowing bunches to mature fully and grapes to develop interesting aromatic properties.

The wines promise to be display prominent mineral notes, and to be pleasantly acidic.

Beginning of the harvest: August 27th

End of the harvest: September 30th

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 174 mm

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4114 °C

Evaluation: Good

After a 2017 year characterised by severe drought, but with temperatures lower than the average, 2018 began with little rain which, however, did not affect the shoot growth from the end of March.
Spring was mild until May, when the climate dramatically changed, with a drop in temperature and very strong rainfall. Summer, too, was quite temperate, with many heavy showers; therefore, the harvest was postponed for 15 days.
This climatic trend continued throughout September, with mild temperatures during the day and cool ones at night, which favoured the proper ripening of the grapes. The result is satisfactory and confirms the results obtained in the previous years, with very elegant wines.

Beginning of the harvest: August 22nd
End of the harvest: September 28th
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 273 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4130 °C
Evaluation: Good

This vintage was characterised by a strong drought: in fact, after the rain at the end of October 2015 and until spring, the rainfall was just 49 mm, with winter temperatures above 6° C and a following active growth occurring at least ten days earlier than the average. This anticipation has been observed until the second week of August when, with great concern, heavy showers adjusted the proper trend of the vintage and hydrated the plants. It is surely worth mentioning the two heat waves that hit Sicily: the first was recorded between June and July and the second at the beginning of August, reaching 42° C.
Generally, the cycle of vegetation were initially subjected to warm temperatures during the day and cold ones at night, which started the blossoming and the flowering ten days earlier than the previous vintage (which started in the second half of May), followed by a good fruit setting; the veraison, too, was anticipated with respect to the seasonal average.
This climatic and weather trend granted the good health both of the vines and the bunches, which were characterised by a strong peel just before the harvest. The result was very satisfying and represented a step forward compared to the previous vintages with wines rich in colorants and strong acidity.

Beginning of the harvest: 31/08
End of the harvest: 27/09
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 225 mm
Legend
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4,202°C
Legend
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th)
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th)
Evaluation: Outstanding

Winter was characterized by few relevant rainfalls and temperature slightly above the season’s average. Intense rainfalls started in spring followed by an instable season that lasted until August resulting in a colder summer compared to the last three years. This situation provided an optimal conditions of ripeness for the grapes. The harvest overall, presented grapes with great levels of color, acidity and PH providing harmonious, structured and complex wines.

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 72mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4,409°C
Evaluation: Very good

The winter temperature and rainfall until the middle of March were slightly higher than average.
This dry period was characterised by temperature conditions that were perfect for the constant and continuous growth of the vines and grapes.
The grapes ripened perfectly from a health and maturity point of view. The harvest gave exceptional grapes, in particular for the Nero d’Avola , with high concentrations of colour, excellent acidity and PH content and a balanced sugar content.

Beginning harvest: 28/08
End of harvest: 20/09
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 44mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4338°C
Evaluation: Very good / Excellent (Nero D’Avola)