Life Of A Grape - Part 2 'SPRING'

The Spring AwakeningThe Winter Grape

At this time of year, the vines are bursting back to life! In Italy, the weather is warming up, and the vineyards are buzzing with activity. The humble grape is no longer just a twinkle in the vine's eye, but a tiny incredible bud that unfurls in the phenomena known as bud break.

The Scientific Stuff

As the soil temperature rises, the vines start to produce new shoots, and the roots begin to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. This is a critical period, as the vine needs to grow strong and healthy to support the upcoming grape harvest. The vine's energy is focused on producing new leaves, shoots, and flowers, which will eventually turn into grapes.At this time of year the vines are dormant in the fields. In Italy it is definitely winter, and like our friends in their vineyards, they are hunkering down against the cold! The humble grape is no more than a twinkle in the vine’s eye.

At the vineyards

Our small-batch vineyards are working tirelessly to prepare the vines for optimal growth and even ripening.

March / April: they're busy with canopy management, removing any weak shoots, and training the new growth. Also, they’re keeping an eye on the weather, as a late frost could still damage the young buds.

May: the flowers are starting to bloom. This is a defining moment in the grape’s life, as a good fruit set will determine the size and quality of the harvest.

Did you know that Spring is the most critical time for grape growth? 

Whilst it's an exciting time in the vineyard, it's also a period of high risk. Our small-batch winemakers employ organic and sustainable practices, meticulously apply natural treatments and implement integrated pest management techniques. This proactive approach ensures the production of high-quality, disease-resistant grapes.

With the arrival of spring rains, our winemakers intensify their efforts to protect their precious vines from potential diseases but there’s only so much they can do. Naomi from Cantina Blasi reported that “the uncharacteristically heavy rains of late spring 2023 in Umbria resulted in a devastating loss of up to 70% of our harvest, the worst in living record.” This was due to the combination of too much moisture and warmer temperatures which created an environment that was conducive to the spread of fungal infections, such as powdery mildew and downy mildew which affected the baby grapes. Fingers crossed the weather is much better this Spring.

In the cantina

In the cantina, you will find our small-batch winemakers:

• Conducting blending trials to create the perfect balance of flavours and aromas.
• Monitoring fermentation temperatures and sugar levels to ensure optimal wine development.
• Making quality control checks, ensuring that every bottle meets the winery's high standards.
• Bottling the new young vintages.

As the season progresses, the cantina becomes filled with the aromas of fermentation, the sounds of machinery humming, and the sight of wine flowing through the cellar. It's a place where the passion for winemaking is palpable, and where the magic of Italian wine is born.

Wrapping it up

In the next update we find out how the flowering season goes and if the rains stayed away in May! Check out our Shop to browse the fantastic results of all this hard work by our vineyards.