Summer is the time when vineyard work becomes even more precise than usual. After flowering and fruit set, the vine continues to grow throughout the season, but the rhythm changes. As ripening begins, the berries soften, change colour and start to accumulate sugars. From this point onward, every decision in the vineyard is made to preserve the balance of the fruit and support an even, gradual ripening process.
In the vineyards of Ampeleia: air, light and balance.
The most important summer practices are those that shape the microclimate around the grape clusters. Shoot thinning, leaf removal, hedging and, in some cases, crop thinning help regulate canopy density, improve air circulation and allow light to reach the fruit more evenly.
These operations influence the vineyard microclimate, reduce excessive vigour and contribute to fruit quality. At the same time, the vine continues its growth cycle, drawing on the water and nutrients available in the soil.
Leaf removal requires care.
Canopy management is not simply about opening up the plant, but about doing so at the right moment. Leaf removal around the fruit zone is usually carried out between the beginning and the middle of the season. If it is done too late, the risk of sunburn on the berries increases. In warmer and drier sites, even greater care is required.
The goal is to expose the fruit just enough, without putting it under stress. This balance matters because sunlight supports quality, while excessive heat can be as damaging as too much shade.
In the cellar: being ready for the fruit.
While the vineyard team observes the grapes and follows their development, the cellar prepares for their arrival. In the weeks before harvest, attention turns to cleaning, maintenance and the organisation of the reception and winemaking areas.
This is also the time when we begin welcoming new people who come to Ampeleia to learn, gain experience and share our way of working. It is an important moment for us, because harvest is not prepared only through technical work, but also through the attentive presence of those who take part in it.
A rainy year, healthy vines and a promising harvest.
This season began with a rainy winter, but the vines responded well. They are healthy, vigorous and full of life. Good water reserves can provide valuable support during the growing season, helping both vegetative development and the formation of a balanced crop.
From now on, everything depends on measure and observation: keeping vigour under control, maintaining airy and healthy clusters, following the progress of ripening day by day and reaching harvest at exactly the right moment.
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