Castiglioni Chianti

Following a mild winter, the vines sprouted in early April, just a few days earlier than expected. Overall, April was clear and reasonably cool, contributing to a moderate growth under dry conditions. Flowering occurred around the last week in May, a period in which the climate was always mild and slightly windy; this resulted in an excellent fruit set. From April to August, there were some quite heavy rainfalls, with aslight peak in June; during the months of vegetative expression, the water supplies were always in proportion to demand (neither drought nor excessive rainfall). Veraison took place from the last week in August onwards, and was followed by a gradual ripening in September. The Sangiovese and Merlot were harvested from mid-September onwards. There were magnificent concentrations of fruit and with excellent aromatic intensity.