“..The climatic conditions of 2005 were ideal up to end of August when there were heavy rains in many areas. There were more heavy rains, especially in central Tuscany between the 3rd and 10th of October. The “conditio sine qua non” of a successful harvest was: to pick before the heavy rains at the beginning of October and a careful vineyard management. The exposure of the vineyards was also a very important factor. Viticulture has very much improved lately, there is a different, and more efficient, management of vegetation in the vineyards…” (Paolo Caciorgna, consulting oenologist for many MdG estates)

San Pancrazio (Chianti Colli Fiorentini): “..the climatic conditions in this area were positive. There were no frosts. The summer was more humid than usual, although much less than other areas of Tuscany, but quite warm. Ripening of the clusters was good. There was less production also due to the fact that some of the vineyards were recently planted. Harvest started in mid September with Merlot and continued with Sangiovese and Canaiolo (from the 20th of September till the 10th of October). The quality of the wines is high, good colours, good structure” (Riccardo Galli agronomist-oenologist of Fattoria di Lucignano)

Gaiole in Chianti (Chianti Classico): “…I am satisfied, we harvested the best vineyards before the rains at the beginning of October…2005 can be placed among the good vintages. Its character is similar to 2004. The results were good as we worked very carefully in the vineyard during the summer (drastic green harvest, removal of excess foliage etc.) ..we did not have any botrytis problems. Production was low (25% lower than other vintages). The wines have good colour, are concentrated and very well balanced. The first part of the harvest started on the 28th of September till the 2nd of October then, after an interruption due to rain, it continued till the 9th of October..“ (Sandro Sderci owner of Podere Il Palazzino)

S. Casciano dei Bagni, Siena (Chianti DOCG): “…production was about 60% lower than 2004 (1kg per vine). Green harvest was very drastic this year. Quality is higher than 2004. Alcohol percentage is good…” (Giacomo Mori owner of the homonymous estate)

Montalcino (Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino): “…ripening of the clusters was good. Wines have a good consistency, intense colour, they are very aromatic, fruity and will be very drinkable, the acidity is good. These are naturally the first impressions, as malolactic is not over yet. Production was average, there will be more Rosso than Brunello. 2005 will be a great vintage for Rosso di Montalcino… harvest took place from the 26th of September till the 1st of October” (Andrea Cortonesi owner of Azienda Agricola Uccelliera) “…this was the best harvest of Ciacci Piccolomini in history. Results in the vineyard and in the cellar were excellent. Clusters were perfect and quality was exceptional. 2005 wines will be suitable for long ageing…..” (Paolo Bianchini owner of Azienda Agricola Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona)

S. Gimignano (Vernaccia di S. Gimignano, Chianti Colli Senesi): “….I am satisfied. We managed to complete the harvest before the rains at the beginning of October. Clusters were flawless. Yield was about 20% lower. Vernaccia has good aromas, good alcohol percentage and quality is high. Reds are also very promising. Harvest is usually earlier in this area, in fact it took place about 20 days before other adjacent zones…” (Franco Troiani owner of Azienda Agricola Fontaleoni) “….whites are very aromatic, fresh, with a good acidity, slightly less concentrated than previous vintages. Reds are also very aromatic, with intense colour, fragrant, fruity, medium-bodied, and with a medium alcohol percentage…” (Simone Santini owner of Tenuta Le Calcinaie)

Carmignano (Carmignano): “…the budding phase was medium-late. It was dry up to mid August. This made the clusters ripen much earlier. Rains at the end of August and in mid September were very light (only a few mmts) in this area. Harvest started on the 15th of September with Merlot and ended on the 10th of October with Cabernet. Results are excellent: wines have an intense colour and are well-structured…” (Beppe Rigoli owner of Fattoria Ambra)

Montepulciano (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano): “…in this area it was dry up to mid August. Ripening was therefore earlier. In September there were heavy rains and fogs, consequently it was necessary to carefully select the clusters during harvest (which started around the 20th of September). Production was 25% lower. Thanks to the early ripening phase, ripening was good: wines are very drinkable, pleasant, have intense colour and good structure…” (Beppe Rigoli consulting agronomist-oenologist of Tenuta Della Seta)

Empoli (Chianti): “….quality of wines is excellent. Our area was free of rain during the harvest. 2005 can be compared to 2001. Wines are well-balanced, colour is very intense, they are very concentrated and aromatic. The natural production per vine was low. Our oenologist Attilio Pagli told us that in his opinion this is the best harvest ever at Piazzano….Harvest started on the 15th of September and continued up to the 15th of October with a few interruptions….” (Rolando Bettarini of Fattoria di Piazzano)

Tuscan Maremma: “…it was a good harvest. Production was much lower than usual (30% lower than other vintages). Wines are elegant, acidity is high, alcohol percentage is good, colours are intense. Ripening was at different times as we grow different varietals on the property, therefore harvest had to be carried out with interruptions. This vintage is similar to 2004…” (Francesco Falciani of Azienda Agricola I Campetti).