The 2017 harvest in Chianti has begun

Sangiovese

It's August 2017 and yet the harvest has already begun in Chianti. Unusually early but not entirely unexpected. The winter had a few frosty days, the spring was unusually warm, followed by frosty nights in April, some of which caused major damage at lower altitudes. Hot days and very warm nights during the summer and, above all, the absolute lack of rainfall throughout the year allowed the grapes to ripen unusually early.the harvest of Merlot grapes began yesterday at Casaloste in Panzano in Chianti. And other wineries will no doubt gradually begin their harvests. Merlot is one of the earlier ripening varieties, while Sangiovese will still be allowed to hang on the vine for a while. It will be exciting to see how the 2017 vintage from Chianti Classico will present itself to us.

All the best to all winegrowers!