The producers are happy with this vintage, although production was in general lower than the previous ones. There were rains during the harvest time, careful vineyard management, but, in the case of Soave, the resistance of Garganega grapes to mold and rain, insured a good product.

Monteforte d’Alpone (Soave Classico): “…the harvest this year was good. Garganega grapes (from which Soave Classico is made) ripen late and are resistent to rain and mold. Furthermore the major part of our vineyards are old and consequently even more resistent. Luckily we were spared from hail. Grapes were ripe and without flaws. In our area sugar percentage was higher than in the other zones of Soave….2005 wines are good with good alcohol percentage” (Sandro Gini of Azienda Agricola Gini)

Soave: “…Quality is the same as it was in 2004, but production was 30-40% lower. We started harvesting on the 1st of October and finished on the 28th of the month….” (Gaetano Tamellini owner of Azienda Agricola Tamellini) Negrar (Valpolicella): “…we started picking the grapes for Amarone and Recioto on the 20th of September and we finished with the grapes for Valpolicella on the 20th of October. We had to interrupt because of the rain. Production was about 15% lower than 2004. One can compare 2005 to 1999. Alcohol content and colour of wines are good” (Antonio Mazzi of Azienda Agricola Mazzi)