Winter 2019/20 was dry and mild with hardly any rainfall. Spring continued in the same vein; little rain followed by a flurry of snow in late March. Despite early budding, there was minimal frost damage and where there was some, it was isolated to the lower lying vineyards.
June saw significant rainfall which replenished the water table and prepared vines for the hot summer ahead. However, rainfall combined with increasingly warming temperatures helped create the perfect conditions for powdery mildew just as fruit set began to develop. Thankfully, this was easy to deal with, and many producers saw regular flowering and fruit set without any real cause for concern. Temperatures crept up steadily throughout July, and into August, with two notable heatwaves that saw the thermostat rise to well over 40°C. The vineyard teams had to manage the canopy to shade the grapes and protect them from sunburn – an ever growing technique that is being implemented by producers in the area. Despite such high temperatures, very few growers reported any hydric stress or vines shutting down.
Rainfall at the beginning of September came as a form of relief for many, lowering temperatures as well as refreshing vines and the soil. Diurnal range varied across Montalcino’s vineyards with some producers recording notable swings between warm days (30°C) and cold nights (7°C), whereas others reported less drastic differences.
Most producers harvested early to avoid over-ripe grapes, as well as to retain acidity and freshness in the final wines. Nevertheless, some waited and picked their grapes in mid-September, or even into early October whilst being wary of impending rain that could dilute the crop. Nevertheless, the grapes received at the wineries were in healthy, good condition and a promising vintage was on the cards.
The decision to pick is, as always, dependent on vineyard management, location, altitude, and microclimate, as well as producer preference and style. Ultimately, their aim is demonstrating estate terroir and uniqueness to the best of their ability yet staying true to the Brunello di Montalcino style.
In a break from tradition, the governing body for Brunello di Montalcino (Il Consorzio del vino Brunello di Montalcino) has significantly changed its vintage evaluation system from using 1-5 stars, to an external panel of eight Masters of Wine led by Gabrielle Gorelli MW and Andrea Lonardi MW. The 2020 vintage has been described as “captivating, bright, and succulent" with the Consorzio adding it is “versatile and suitable for aging.”
Do read the critics’ thoughts on the 2020 vintage, as well as browsing all wines available for purchase in this campaign. If you would like to learn more, then do read our guide to Brunello di Montalcino and always, if you wish to discuss options further please call me in the office on 01325 776446, where I will be happy to guide you through the vintage.
