Walking a vineyard in Chianti Classico before harvest – what it’s like 🍇 - The Athan Zafirov Wine Blog

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Walking a vineyard in Chianti Classico before harvest – what it’s like 🍇

Hi everyone,
I’m Francesco, sommelier at Fattoria di Montemaggio, an organic winery in Chianti Classico.

We’re now in early September, and many visitors ask me: “Why don’t you harvest yet? Grapes look ready!”

The truth is that in our vineyards, sitting between 450–600m altitude, the Sangiovese grape needs more time. The cooler nights help preserve acidity and allow slower, more balanced ripening.

This period is fascinating:

  • Grapes look almost perfect but still need a few more weeks.
  • Aromas in the berries are changing daily.
  • The whole vineyard feels “quiet,” waiting for the right moment.

For us, wine is not just production — it’s patience, listening to the land, and waiting until nature says: now is the time.

👉 Question for you: have you noticed differences between wines made from earlier vs. later harvests?

Cheers,
Francesco

Harvest will only start at the end of September, so this is the calm before the most exciting moment of the year.

If you are visiting Tuscany now, I highly recommend walking through a vineyard at dusk. It’s a side of Tuscany that postcards don’t capture — slow, authentic, unforgettable.

👉 Have you ever been in Italy during harvest season? What was your experience?

Cheers,
Francesco

Vuoi che ti prepari anche le versioni in italiano (adatte per community come r/italy o r/Tuscany), così hai entrambe le opzioni pronte?





Athan Zafirov Wine

For 15 years, Athan Zafirov has traveled the vineyards around the world and worked with some of the greatest chefs including Francois Duc and Alan Brown.


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