Winter 2017-2018 saw average levels rainfall throughout the appellation in addition to a few episodes of snow, which replenished the water table following an extremely hot and dry summer (2017). However, temperatures were above the seasonal norm throughout January until the end of February, when a sudden cold snap struck and they plummeted to lows of around -10°C.
In March there were several bouts of rain and a further fluttering of snowfall, yet not enough to cause any real concern, and temperatures returned to the annual average by the end of the month. As April arrived many producers feared another devastating episode of Spring frost (such as in 2017), but thankfully this did not materialise and so vignerons could breathe a sigh of relief. Bud break occurred a little later than usual (in the middle of the month), slowed down due to rain and cooler temperatures.
In May regular rainfall was again a common occurrence coupled by high temperatures, which prepared the vines for the warm summer ahead. Flowering was slightly delayed (a result of late bud break) and took place towards the end of the month. June and July saw warmer temperatures arrive, yet without the extreme heat peaks of previous solar vintages. Thanks to the good levels of soil moisture the vines coped well with fruit set completed by mid-June, and véraison by end of July.
August was marked by sporadic rain showers throughout most of the month accompanied by normal temperatures of around 25°C. However, the combination of rain and warmth resulted in increased humidity and the need for strict daily vineyard management to mitigate the risk of disease (namely downy and powdery mildew). The most pressing challenge facing producers was how to manage the “cooler”, wetter climate, and therefore skill in the vineyard (canopy management, protective sprays and choosing when to harvest and strict selection protocols) as well as experience in the winery (controlled maceration, gentle tannin extraction and reduced ageing periods in oak) were imperative in crafting balanced, elegant and approachable wines.
After a drop at the end of August, temperatures rose again (to around 30°C) in early September, combining with the famous Tramontana wind that helped to dry grape bunches, and ensure good ripening ahead of the approaching harvest. However, Mother Nature had one last plot twist in store with unwelcome rain arriving in the second half of the month, forcing some producers to pick early in fear of grapes becoming diluted, or even worse, losing the harvest to rot. However, those who had nerves of steel decided to wait and pick later (some well into mid-October) to guarantee optimal phenolic and physiological ripeness.
As always, and perhaps more importantly with a vintage such as 2018, the decision to pick is dependent on vineyard management, location, altitude, and microclimate; as well as producer preference and style to demonstrate estate terroir and uniqueness to the best of their ability, as well as staying true to the Brunello di Montalcino style.
The Chairman of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino declared “2018 is once again a classic vintage. The weather again brought mild temperatures, not too hot in comparison to recent years. The maturations were a bit longer, without heat peaks. The 2018 has acidity, elegance, well-constructed and persistent tannins, with a very fresh base fruit.”
The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino has awarded the 2018 vintage 4 out of 5 stars.
Do read our full vintage report; full of the key facts on the vintage, wine critics thoughts, comments and scores, as well as all Brunello di Montalcino 2018 wines offered in our campaign.
If you would like to discuss options further, please call me in the office on 01325 776446, where I will be happy to guide you through the vintage.
