Above average temperature and rainfall lacking over winter season meant a slight advance of the grape harvest in western Sicily, but a little bit more regular on the Etna volcano, especially for red grapes. “ Great vintage, especially for white varieties. Above average we reported high quality standard “ said Federico Lombardo di Monte Iato, COO of Firriato winery.
A great 2020 grape harvest, reporting quality in production. However we had a variable vintage trend compared to last year: Above average temperature in January and February followed by rainfall lacking from May to September causing an early grape budding causing less vigour on vine growth. As a matter of fact production is up by -30% on last year in the Trapani countryside. In any case, foliage seemed to be perfectly intact thanks to summer temperatures easing grape weight reduction as well as sugar increase quality level and aromatic elements. Eventually meeting Firriato’s expectations, completely confirmed after the Etna grape harvest.
“Small but stunning grape harvest! We reaped the benefits of our precision viticulture practices especially on white vines, which wine will turn out to be pretty balanced. By the same token, red vines (Etna ones) are characterised by a good weight ratio between skin and pulp in a single berry ensuring future fine and long-lived wines” said Federico Lombardo di Monte Iato, COO of Firriato winery.
Trapani countryside
Starting the time range of August 3 – 8, the first collected variety was Chardonnay for Martinotti method, followed by Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto grapes. Red grape harvest started with Nero d’avola which some plants benefitted from cluster thinning for ripening. The last vines to harvest were Cabernet and Perricone.
Favignana island
Starting between the last part of August and the beginning of September, grape harvest seemed to be late this year. Huge raing falls until the end of spring together with warm summer weather causing maturation lasting. Great results for both white varieties (Grillo, Catarratto and Zibibbo) and red ones ( Perricone and Nero d’Avola). We reported an increase in quality yields.
The Etna volcano
Regular grape harvest with below seasonal average temperature and huge rainfall causing delay maturation. It turns out to be an advantage for aromatic component evolution. Throughout 12 Contrade spread in 84ha of Firriato’s Etna estates, the volcanic grape harvest started with Nerello Mascalese vines for the production of Gaudensius Blanc de Noir classic method sparkling wines. We kept collecting other native vines included in the Etna DOC appellation: Carricante, Catarratto, Nerello Mascalese e Nerello Cappuccio. We expect outstanding results in the matter of reds.
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