Masi Agricola : 2017 VINTAGE

The 2017 vintage is characterised by widespread and unexpected frosts in the spring mixed with unseasonably hot weather and unusual droughts. The Verona area, for example, has had an average rainfall of 300mm since the beginning of the year, whereas the average for the same period is 500mm.Nevertheless, historic production areas such as Valpolicella Classica and the higher morainic hillside area of Bardolino are good for both quality and quantity. Frost and drought, on the other hand, have affected the more recently planted areas south of Lake Garda and the plains to the east of Verona. This is proof that our fathers' choice of viticultural land was a wise one, taking in the best sites.In general, weather conditions have led to early ripening, brought forward by about 10 days.

Valpolicella Classica

The ripening process for Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara is coming to an end, and harvesting is forecast for the end of the first and beginning of the second ten days of September, beginning with the lower hillside slopes, going through to the upper hillside sites, with everything a few days earlier than last year. The Oseleta grapes have not yet fully ripened.
From a quantity point of view, this will be an average harvest. From the quality point of view, it looks very good for the grapes used in appassimento to make our Amarones, from Costasera to the Mazzano and Campolongo cru wines.
As far as the Serego Alighieri vineyards are concerned, the Sauvignon Blanc and Garganega grapes are ready, just like the classic Valpolicella grapes, and the harvest looks particularly good for Vaio Armaron Amarone.

Friuli

Harvesting for the Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo grapes used for Masianco started today. The Refosco grapes for Rosa dei Masi and Grandarella, together with the Refosco and Merlot grapes for Modello Rosso are in perfect health, but it's still too early to set a date for picking.
Quantities are below average because of the small amount of damage caused by late frosts.

Rovereto

So as to maintain sufficient acidity in the grapes and in the resulting grape must, picking began on 11 August in the historic Fojaneghe vineyards with the Pinot Noir grapes destined from young vineyards for use in Conte Federico sparkling wine, followed by the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from established vineyards with a good production history on 18 August. The grapes are perfectly formed, with good acidity and good aromatic content. Picking for the Pinot Grigio for Pian del Griso began today: these grapes are in a good state of ripeness and are full of acidity and aromas. The Traminer and Chardonnay grapes for use in Vign'Asmara are in excellent condition and just about to finish ripening. Aromatic complexity has been guaranteed by good day-to-night temperature variations in the ripening period. The Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Teroldego grapes for use in Fojaneghe are in excellent condition and harvesting is forecast for September, just like the Marzemino grapes for Mas'est. Production is average in quantity and unaffected by the late frosts.

Canova and other Masi vineyards in Bardolino Classico

Both Corvina and Rondinella grapes are finishing their ripening in excellent condition, despite the frost damage that has reduced quantities in the vineyards on the plain.
From the quality point of view, this is expected to be a good vintage.

Soave Classico

Excellent results for the Garganega grapes used for Colabaraca and for the Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grapes used for Levarie. Vineyard training using the traditional Verona Pergola method has helped protect the grapes from excessive heat. Harvesting is expected to be about one week earlier than normal.

Prosecco Superiore in the historic Valdobbiadene area

The vineyards have been largely unaffected by frost, except in small areas.
The grapes are coming to complete ripeness, but harvesting will not start for at least another fortnight.
Production quantities are expected to be average.

Tuscany

The late frosts had only a minimal effect. The grapes - Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo - are fully ripe. Harvesting began today with grapes from the youngest vineyards. The dry heat weather conditions have favoured the organic status of the vineyards and quantities are expected to be very good.