2005 was very rainy in this region. Vegetative growth of vines started late due to snow in winter. Also in the Marche strict vineyard management was essential in order to obtain good results: i.e. yield control through green pruning and green harvest, removal of excess foliage in order to improve ventilation and training systems with lighter canopy such as guyot. In some areas there was hail, but luckily the producers we represent were spared.

Matelica (Verdicchio di Matelica): “….ripening of clusters was earlier, alcohol percentage was slightly lower. There weren’t any botrytis problems due to very careful vineyard management, the southern exposure of the vineyards and the absence of hail. Harvest started on the 26th of September and ended on the 17th of October.” (Aroldo Belelli consulting agronomist/oenologist of Azienda Agraria Bisci)

Jesi (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi): “…in this area we had no hail and rains were regular. Clusters were flawless without botrytis infection. Production did not exceed 8 tons/hectare. Harvest started on the 20th of September and ended on the 15th of October. 2005 is a great vintage: clusters ripened perfectly, wines have a good alcohol percentage, they are aromatic and fresh, acidity is good. Both our white and red wines will be suitable for ageing….” (Tenuta di Tavignano)

Numana (Rosso Conero)“….Results were excellent due to the fact that the area is next to the sea (i.e. very ventilated) and that vineyard management is extremely strict in order to reduce production. All varietals were perfectly ripe and the wines are of high quality” (Aroldo Belelli consulting agronomist of Azienda Agraria Le Terrazze)

Civitanova Marche (Rosso Piceno, IGT wines): “…we had a lot of rain in springtime, consequently the clusters ripened later. We had no botrytis problems. Harvest started at the beginning of September and ended the third week of October, as we had a few interruptions due to rain. Wines have a normal alcohol percentage, good colour, quality is good…” (Elvio Alessandri owner of Azienda Agricola Boccadigabbia).