2003 VINTAGE REPORT
CAMPANIA
The Vineyards of De Conciliis
September 22, 2003
Cilento Vineyards
* 23acres
* Soil Composition: Argil and sandy resulting in wines with calcium and marn.
* 2003 production: 4 tons
* 20% will be dried, Amarone style
* No chemical fertilization
* No irrigation (Even in the 100 degree temperature in mid-summer.)
* Piedirosso clones also grown here
Conditions of the vineyards during the 2003 growing season: 100degrees during the day and about 65 during the night. This vineyard, planted in 1971, faces southwest towards the Mediterranean Sea. Here we find the grapes headed for De Conciliis’ flagship, Zero. The harvest is still three weeks away. The grapes show sensational juice and powerful tannins. The wines will be low in malic acid, while having significant amounts of tartaric acid.
Cannetello vineyard
* 13 acres
* Soil Composition: sandy and calcareous
* 2003 production16 tons
* No irrigation (Even in the 100 degree temperature in mid-summer.)
* No chemical fertilization
Conditions of the vineyards during the 2003 growing season: 100 degrees during the day and about60during the night. The bottom part of the vineyard hosts highly productive Fiano vines. These were harvested prior to our arrival. Here we find the grapes headed for De Conciliis’ Donnaluna; the vines for theDonnaluna were planted in 1987. The grapes show more sugar and acidity and have ripened earlier than previous vintages.
Also planted in this vineyard: Piedirosso and Aglianicone, (Aglianicone is a subclone of Aglianico). On the top of the Cannetello vineyard, about 300 feet above sea level there are 2 rows of Fiano, planted in 1983. These will be used for a new white wine, Celin, to be introduced in 2005. We also find the grapes for Bruno’s renowned Naima in this vineyard. These grapes boast a high sugar content causing a higher level of tartaric acid. The soil composition in this part of the vineyard is (galestro) and (marl.)
Tasting notes on future releases:
Naima 2001: Exceptional. Aromas of prunes and figs, licorice on the palate. The wine has extraordinarily complex, sweet tannins and long smooth finish. Production: 550 cases(12 bottles per case).
Naima 2002: Very Good. Aromas of prunes and figs, licorice on the palate and a very good long-lasting finish. Production100 cases(12 bottles per case).
Zero 2001 : Outstanding. Aromas of amarone with intense figs perfumes, on the palate _full body wine massive and long finish. A blend of grapes from the Cannetello and Cilento vineyards . Quite over the top. Made with the ripasso method of adding 15% dried grapes. Production: 110cases.
Donnaluna Aglianico 2002: Aromas of raspberries, and prunes; on the palate, the wine was quite full-bodied, exceptional for the Donnaluna wine. This was a very difficult year; Bruno decided to blend 80% of the Naima Aglianico into the Donnaluna Aglianico which gives the characteristics of the Aglianico to the Donnaluna, and has made it become a very decent wine, a sacrifice he was willing to make for higher quality Donnaluna. Production: 250 cases(12 bottles per case). (One-half the production of the previous year).
Vir 2002: A new wine for Bruno. Aromas of apricot and peach, lively on the palate. Named after a famous Miles Davis piece, the wine is a blend of 80% Fiano and 20% Falanghina and Sauvignon. Great finish. Production: 50 cases.
Donnaluna Fiano 2002: Aromas of peaches. Nice balance on the palate even though there is less acidity than the 2001. Quite drinkable, a good everyday wine. Production: 250 cases(12 bottles per case).