Franciacorta: Record harvest. But tariffs dampen enthusiasm.

Gussago (Brescia) – "See you in 2050 to uncork some exceptional Franciacortas, 25 years from now." Silvano Brescianini, vice president of Coldiretti Brescia, gave the association's assessment of the 2025 wine year in Brescia. Barring any unexpected weather, the wines produced in the Brescia area will be excellent.

"This year has been a rollercoaster of weather ," explained Simone Frusca, head of the technical office of Coldiretti Brescia, "and it's been excellent for wines: with a cool spring and abundant rainfall, a very hot, unusually warm June, and a temperate July, which slowed ripening. All of this has been characterized, in recent weeks, by a day-night cycle reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s, which will likely produce excellent whites and, in some areas, great reds, even those with age."

Optimism and confidence are the sentiments with which Brescian winemakers are preparing for the next harvest throughout the province: Valcamonica, Franciacorta, Lugana, Garda-Valtenesi, Capriano del Colle, and Botticino. This year, except in a few areas, the harvest in Franciacorta will begin after mid-August, as it always has. "We'll start on mid-August," explained Andrea Arici of the Colline della Stella winery. "Our vineyards are located at altitudes of over 300 meters, on hillsides, and many are over 20 years old. The outlook for 2025 is promising. We'll see if the weather cooperates." The outlook is positive across the board, as confirmed by Davide Lazzari of Capriano del Colle.

"Temperatures remained very high for only two weeks between June and July," he says. "This kept the red clay of our soils cool, allowing for optimal grape ripening conditions." Confirmation comes from Coldiretti Brescia director Andrea Repossini and its president. "The harvest that will begin soon promises to be one of the best in recent years ," comments Laura Facchetti, president of Coldiretti Brescia, "with a quality that rewards the hard work, resilience, and adaptability of our winemakers. Brescian viticulture confirms its strategic role. The Italian wine market is experiencing a slowdown." Some concerns arise from the damage caused by US tariffs. "We are working to ensure that viticulture is not affected," explains Silvano Brescianini. "15% cannot be considered a positive figure." The harvest will begin in the province of Pavia, the region's main wine-growing area. The first bunches will be picked tomorrow, starting at 9:00 a.m., at the De Filippi farm in Frazione Fossa 8 in Oliva Gessi.

Article Tags