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Average monthly rainfall at Vesuvio for the first six months of 2005 averaged just 20.5 mm, compared to the 10 year average for the same period of 36 mm. An unprecedented eight consecutive months of above-average temperatures further compounded the situation, creating a difficult environment for the vines.
The combined effect of these conditions led to the earliest recorded vintage at Vesuvio, picking starting on August 30th. It was also one of the longest vintages, with picking progressing slowly in order to ensure that each variety in the vineyard was picked at its ideal maturity. This had particular significance because some rain finally fell on September 7th and 9th. This came at a critical time and greatly improved the quality of the crop. Picking was interrupted to permit the beneficial effect of the rain on the vines. Ideal sunny and dry conditions followed, paving the way for perfect harvesting weather. Maturations then advanced rapidly, baumés recovered steadily; the grapes swelled and ripened - their skins developing favourably.
The quality potential at Vesuvio was always present in 2005, and despite the pronounced drought, the very good flowering and fruit set earlier in the year played a key role in maintaining yields. What turned an otherwise indifferent year into a very good one was the unexpectedly large proportion of vines that were still receptive to the huge benefits provided by the rain in early September. The phenolic ripeness achieved contributed to the production of very fine wines with a deep, purple-black colour and lifted scented aromas.
At Vesuvio, the Touriga Franca - one of the estate’s most important varieties - performed exceptionally well, yielding just 1.63 Kg/vine but achieving a high degree of maturation as it was picked late and thus benefited from the ideal weather conditions prevalent through September.
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