Achilles

This vintage was characterised by a severe drought. In winter the temperatures were in line with the period, with a vigorous growth in March.

Summer was one of the hottest in the last ten years, with temperature peaks reaching 43 ° C several times between June and July. In the third decade of August, surprisingly, abundant rainfalls restored the balance of the vintage; however, the harvest was brought forward 10 days for the white grapes.

This climatic trend, with warm temperatures during the day and cool ones at night, promoted the health situation of the grape and bunches, which featured a thick skin. The result is good and confirms the trend of the previous years, with acid wines rich in colouring substances.

Beginning of the harvest: 16 August

End of the harvest: 2 October

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 225 mm

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4,188°C

Evaluation: Very good

This vintage was characterised by a strong drought: in fact, after the rain at the end of October 2015 and until spring, the rainfall was just 49 mm, with winter temperatures above 6° C and a following active growth occurring at least ten days earlier than the average. This anticipation has been observed until the second week of August when, with great concern, heavy showers adjusted the proper trend of the vintage and hydrated the plants. It is surely worth mentioning the two heat waves that hit Sicily: the first was recorded between June and July and the second at the beginning of August, reaching 42° C.

Generally, the cycle of vegetation were initially subjected to warm temperatures during the day and cold ones at night, which started the blossoming and the flowering ten days earlier than the previous vintage (which started in the second half of May), followed by a good fruit setting; the veraison, too, was anticipated with respect to the seasonal average.

This climatic and weather trend granted the good health both of the vines and the bunches, which were characterised by a strong peel just before the harvest. The result was very satisfying and represented a step forward compared to the previous vintages with wines rich in colorants and strong acidity.

Beginning of the harvest: 31/08

End of the harvest: 27/09

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 225 mm

Legend

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4,202°C

Legend

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th)

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th)

Evaluation: Outstanding

Winter was characterized by few relevant rainfalls and temperature slightly above the season’s average. Intense rainfalls started in spring followed by an instable season that lasted until August resulting in a colder summer compared to the last three years. This situation provided an optimal conditions of ripeness for the grapes. The harvest overall, presented grapes with great levels of color, acidity and PH providing harmonious, structured and complex wines.

Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 72mm

Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4,409°C

Evaluation: Very good