2022 COLLECTION
January
Saturday, January 1 marks the beginning of this new year; the sun rises on the horizon at 7:39 a.m.
Three minutes later than in January 2021, this phenomenon, caused by astronomical circumstances, reminds us how life always returns in ways and times that we can predict, but which are always slightly different.
A question comes to mind: how long does dawn last?
The duration of dawn at the equator is 72 minutes, equivalent to one hour and 12 minutes. While this fantastic rebirth repeats itself every morning, the earth rotates 18°. The sky is colored with warm and delicate shades, and with it, my heart also warms up.
We are experiencing a not very rainy January, with humid days alternating with long periods (over seven days) of sunny days. Pruning is well suited to temperatures ranging between 0°C and 10°C, with only nine days of rain during this month.
Calm and silence dominate the environment.
From time to time, gusts of wind reach 46 km/h, bringing fresh air, the lifeblood of this time of year.
February
Aquarius reigns until February 18, then Pisces brings with it the element of water. The days begin to lengthen and pruning proceeds at the right pace. Dry days and mild temperatures between 1°C and 11°C are on our side. We hope for a little rain, but there is still time for that in March and April.
March
Pisces gives way to Aries on March 20, the day of the spring equinox at 4:06 a.m. (Italian time). On March 1, the sun rises at 6:28 a.m. and sets at 6:12 p.m.; the full moon on March 28 at 8:48 p.m. illuminates our thoughts like a beacon. Since the beginning of the year, we have gained an hour of light at dawn.
Temperatures are rising. We are close to 66°F for the highs, and many buds are beginning to swell. Ladybugs, our ever-present allies, are beginning to make themselves noticed in search of food. The heavy rain has not yet arrived. This month, too, many days have been dry, allowing me to complete pruning and tying.
April
The month begins under the sign of Aries,
Temperatures become mild, exceeding 20°C for several days. Rainy days increase to fourteen and the vineyard awakens fully. The south-east exposure is a real blessing, with the first rays of morning sun reaching the newly born leaves and drying them from the dew.
Wild orchids of an intense purple color sprout like mushrooms and populate the landscape with green.
May
Taurus reigns until May 20, then Gemini brings lightness and movement. On May 1, the sun rises at 5:59 a.m., giving us another 30 minutes of light in the morning.
Some areas of the vineyard have localized waterlogging, which will provide the right amount of freshness to the grapes destined to bring acidity, supported by an early harvest. In these areas, pruning is increasingly generous to promote acidity in the musts.
Wild aromatic herbs are beginning to grow tall thanks to the recent rains. Like every year, mint is back in full bloom. Clover, sainfoin and rue spread year after year, becoming part of the changing landscape around the vines.
June
The month begins under the sign of Gemini, which gives way to Cancer on June 21. The summer solstice and St. John’s Day immediately after remind me that we are approaching a turning point.
We have reached 15 hours and 25 minutes of daylight.
A gentle south-easterly wind prevails for most of the month. The grapes are dry and free of mould, as every vine lover would wish.
The buzzards that visit us every year begin to appear. Some wild bramble plants find a home near the vines. Nature takes care of itself.
July
Cancer reigns until July 22.
On July 1, the sun rises at 5:28 a.m. and sets at 8:49 p.m.
The new moon appears on July 28 and brings with it a noticeable ripening of the grapes.
Temperatures remain between 64°F and 98°F, with hot days and cool nights thanks to the altitude of 792 feet above sea level.
On July 7, a violent hailstorm accompanied by a summer thunderstorm severely damages 90% of the crop.
It is a heavy blow, but fortunately something has been saved and perhaps we will be able to produce a small but very valuable quantity. It is not a tragedy, but now we must seize the opportunity we have been given.
August
The month begins under the sign of Leo, which gives way to Virgo on August 22.
On August 1, the sun rises at 5:38 a.m. and sets at 8:49 p.m.
With the full moon on August 12, the ideal time to begin the NIGHT HARVEST is approaching.
Temperatures remain high, between 59°F and 98°F, with scorching days and nights that are beginning to cool down. The temperature range is not too extreme, which favors balance in the fruit.
Starting the harvest requires a lot of thought, but first we begin by removing all the fruit that could have ripened but will not make it in this difficult year.
September
The sign of Virgo dominates until September 22.
On September 23, the autumn equinox introduces Libra.
Light and darkness are in balance. On September 1, the sun rises at 6:35 a.m. and sets at 7:44 p.m. The new moon appears on September 25, bringing with it rains that help the few remaining bunches of grapes to swell.
Temperatures become milder, averaging between 9°C and 28°C, which are nothing short of optimal.
Starlings roam greedily in the vineyard, but fortunately our friends, the buzzards, make them reconsider their intentions.
October
The month begins under the sign of Libra, which gives way to Scorpio.
The grape harvest is now strictly a daytime activity.
It takes us four hours to fill a 2.5 kg crate with fruit.
The sun rises after 7:00 a.m. and sets after 6:30 p.m.
The full moon marks the rhythm and reminds us that we are almost there.
Temperatures are getting cooler, and with only seven days of rain, we can enjoy good weather for the harvest.
Among the rows of vines, the last flowers are blooming. Spiders and wasps are everywhere, searching for food.
November
Humid days, under the sign of Scorpio.
We begin to savor the rest. The grass dries up, the flowers disappear.
I am happy to have brought some splendid grapes to the cellar. Few, but splendid.
The hail damage is still evident on the wood, but our prompt green pruning and its ability to regenerate will allow it to be reborn next year.
December
I feel like a sailor who has reached shore after a storm. Safe and sound. After enormous difficulties that haven’t been seen in these parts for years. I am very happy.
See you next time.