Vendemmia 2011
Pino Sola has been a source of education and support since 
the inception of Vias Imports, sharing his deep knowledge of the many appellations and varietals of the Italian peninsula. His management role at Colle dei Bardellini and his role as a regional representative of AIS (Italian Association of Sommeliers) make him an established enological authority in Liguria and have given him unique insights into the Italian wine industry as it has evolved over the years. Living in Italy, he sends us a report from the front lines of the 2011 harvest.
2011 Harvest
The principal characteristic of the 2011 harvest was a reduction in production from 50 million hectoliters to 44 million hectoliters, approximately a 5% r eduction. In the north there was a production increase in some areas, while in the south production losses were more prevalent, with Sicily suffering a 20% drop in yields. Veneto was the most productive region with 8.37 million hectolit ers. Wh en combined, the Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, P uglia and Sicily, historically productive regions, accounted for 26 million hectoliters or 60% of the national production. The reduction in yields was due in part to the heat in some regions, but the decrease was above all due to green harvests intended to limit over-production.
From a qualitative stand point, the climatic progression of the growing season, especially an excellent September, favored a harvest of good quality. The harvest, in most regions, was early, starting approximately 20 days in advance. However, in the north, harvests were only 10 days early, and in some places it was even late.
PIEMONTE - Very cold winter, rainy March and lots of heat resulted in limited yields. Moscato d’Asti was noteworthy this year and it has enjoyed a clear increase in sales. It’s shaping up to be a great vintage for the Lange with good Nebbiolo grapes at harvest for Barolo and Barbaresco.
LOMBARDIA - Harvest and forecast for these wines are similar to that of Piedmont.
TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE - Cold winter, warm spring and dry, early harvests. Whites such as Sauvignon, Traminer and, in particular Pinot Grigio, embody the ideal balance between sugar and acidity. Good forecast for reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Teroldego. In Alto Adige, Kerner and Sylvaner are predicted to be big. The growing season favored the Mazon mountain and its unequalled Pinot Noir of extreme class.
VENETO - Soave production increased 5%, showing balanced fermentation that can best highlight its characteristics. Amarones in full vinification had healthy grapes and an excellent drying process, which lay the groundwork for big final wines.
EMILIA-ROMAGNA - Very hot with good temperature fluctuations between day and night which favored the harvesting of healthy grapes. Wines show good characteristics after fermentation.
TOSCANA - Normal winter, excellent spring with uniform rain and a balanced passage of the growing season guaranteed healthy grapes that indicate great Sangiovese for Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
LE MARCHE - Good forecasts for high profile wines, especially Verdicchio. Total production: 890,000 hl.
LAZIO - Abundant winter precipitation – hot April with early flowering in May. This land, rich in vigorous volcanic soil, favors the maturation of whites. Prognosis for Frascati and Castelli Romani is excellent.
ABRUZZO - Similar to 2010, the harvest was approximately 10 days late. Trebbiano, Passerina and Pecorino had healthy grapes that could result in great whites, rich in aromas and good acidity. Fleshy Montepulciano and Sangiovese proceeded to the wineries, benefiting from the heat wave ast the end of August.
CAMPANIA - The vegetative cycle was delayed by a long, cold winter. The spring was rainy and there was abundant heat in July and August with precious fluctuations in temperatures between day and night. On the one hand, these temperature shifts reduced yields by 10%, but on the other hand they increased grape quality significantly, especially in the Fiano and Greco varietals. Forecasts for high-quality whites and Taurasi.
PUGLIA - Harvest started on August 11th with the picking of Chardonnay. The red harvest began the first 10 days of September with Negroamaro and Nero di Troia. Predictions point to very fresh wines with excellent aroma profiles and strong structure.
CALABRIA - One of the best growing seasons in years with splendid, healthy Gaglioppo bunches. Reds will have great quality and enviable balance between aromatic body and acidity.
SICILIA - Normal growing season, from flowering through to grape maturation. This season favored high quality harvests. Forecasts for the wine go from good to optimal depending on the zone and varietal. Sicily had the greatest yield reduction, decreasing production by 20%.
SARDEGNA - Hard, rainy winter followed by a favorable spring with good vegetation. Excellent flowering and bunch formation. Notable summer winds and discrete rain assured important water reserves. Healthy grapes were harvested followed by punctual vinification. Forecasts for excellent quality in the final wines.
