The 2010 growing season will be remembered for being one of the latest in recent years. From bud break on, in fact, the growth stages were some 10 days behind average, and that slow pace continued through to the harvest. A rainy spring was followed by a hot, dry summer, which favoured the optimal development
of the clusters. A few rain showers interrupted the harvest in September, but adequate dry, sunny periods allowed the fruit to fully ripen. Painstaking vineyard management, and careful leaf-pulling in particular, ensured that the grapes were sound and healthy. Cool nights encouraged the fine development of aromatic
compounds, with the grapes displaying remarkably crisp fruit and floral qualities.