A complex 2024 vintage, marked in the last days of the harvest by a strong hailstorm and consequent further problems. In general, a lower yield but of great quality. This is the photograph of the grape harvest in the snapshot taken by the historic Guido Berlucchi winery, creator of the first Classic Method in Franciacorta and “symbol” and “thermometer” of the entire territory, with its over 550 hectares between those owned and those involved through partner winemakers.
Yield down 30% but great quality for the grapes of the harvest: the 2024 vintage of Guido Berlucchi bubbles in Franciacorta
The 2024 harvest of one of the symbolic realities in Franciacorta, which began last Friday, August 16, ends today, September 2. In a scenario that has now made climatic “unpredictability” one of the leitmotifs of recent years, Guido Berlucchi can assert all its advanced technical, agronomic and oenological heritage, thanks to the study and in-depth work that has always characterized it as an innovative company since its origins in the 1960s, to best bring to fruition the harvest of challenging years.
The 2024 vintage was complex in terms of climate, characterized by numerous spring rains that led to a significant drop in production together with temperatures below normal, thus slowing the development of the bunches. In the month of July – the last phase of ripening of the grapes – it was marked by high temperatures, but with a fair temperature range.
The strong hailstorm that hit the province of Brescia last Monday, August 26, caused further problems and inconveniences for this important harvest, which ends with a total yield, among the 550 total hectares between the property and those of the partner winemakers, at -30%.
“We have found,” says the winemaker, production manager and CEO Arturo Ziliani, “a high quality of grapes, but the 30% decline corresponds to the average decline over the last ten years: a calculation that worries us but that tells us that we must continue to work in this direction, to combat climate change as much as possible without sacrificing the quality and work of the many people who work with us and with whom we share successes and failures”.
“We have known for some time now that the challenge in the vineyard is constant and requires continuous research, significant investments in technology – with new means – and great commitment from the agricultural department team. Our experience is also made available to all partner winemakers, with the Berlucchi Protocol for Sustainable Viticulture, the result of over 20 years of research”.
