From Valpolicella Classica to Oltrepò Pavese, from Valdobbiadene to Trentino and Friuli: we glimpse characterful Amarones, elegant sparkling wines, fragrant whites, and reds with structure and personality.
Masi recounts a significant vintage, characterized by a balance between climatic challenges, great qualitative potential, and new prospects for value.
The notes from the Masi Technical Group confirm a complex and varied climate trend this year too: after a month of June characterised by high temperatures – with peaks above 37°C – July brought with it intense thunderstorms and localised hailstorms in some areas of the North East. However, the effects on the overall quality of the grapes remained limited thanks to careful agronomic management .
Overall, the harvest schedule is expected to be a few days later than 2024, but is still in line with the previous decade. Production appears overall more stable than 2024, and the quality and quantity of the grapes are positive .
In Valpolicella Classica, we are looking with thoughtful optimism both at the upcoming harvest in the lower hills and at the one that will follow in the higher crus, where the grapes are eagerly awaiting ideal climatic conditions during the delicate drying process. Meanwhile, attention remains focused on the progressive development of sugar and phenolic ripeness, which in many Northern Italian vineyards is presenting itself at optimal conditions.
Particularly positive signals are coming from the Canevel vineyards in Valdobbiadene , where the balance between acidity and sugars suggests a sparkling wine of refined elegance, as already verified in the Casa Re estates in the Oltrepò Pavese and in the first Vermentino harvests in Val d’Orcia .
From Trentino to Oltrepò, up to the Prosecco hills, there is a feeling of great balance and the potential for a great vintage .
” We’re also seeing anomalies from climate change in 2025: increasingly unpredictable conditions that are putting the vineyards to the test, although fortunately this year hasn’t had a negative impact on our areas on average. But it’s precisely in these situations that historic territories, like Valpolicella Classica, demonstrate their full value, thanks to the synergy between soil, native grape varieties, and traditional practices,” emphasizes Sandro Boscaini , President of Masi , known as Mister Amarone. Today, however, the challenge is no longer limited to agronomics. The market remains fragile and selective due to geopolitical uncertainties, penalizing tariffs, restrictive regulations, and alcohol consumption policies that risk compromising the cultural and economic value of wine. In this complex context, having an excellent product is no longer enough. We must transform this excellence into concrete value through a clear strategic vision, strong cohesion among producers, and effective communication that can convey and defend the unique heritage of our wine. Only in this way can we overcome current challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the sector.
MASI SITES IN VENICE AND TUSCANY
Veneto – Valpolicella: In the Classico area, grape ripening is proceeding steadily, with healthy, uniform bunches. Monitoring shows a gradual increase in sugar and phenolic levels.
The harvest is upon us: it’s expected to begin in the first ten days of September in the lower hillside areas, including Campofiorin , the Serego Alighieri vineyards in Gargagnago, and the legendary Vaio Armaron . Subsequently, the harvest will move to the higher hillside vineyards, the Costasera vineyards, and the prestigious Amarone crus, such as Mazzano , Campolongo di Torbe , and Vaio dei Masi . Once the harvest is complete, the drying process will begin, an equally crucial moment for producing red wines with great structure and longevity.
Veneto – Lake Garda: The vineyards of Tenuta Canova in Lazise faced challenging weather conditions, with thermal stress caused by temperatures exceeding 37°C on some days in June and a light hailstorm in July. Despite this, the phenolic ripening of the Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes is proceeding steadily, reaching the expected peak around September 8th.
Veneto – Soave: Following a light hailstorm in early August, a partial loss of production was recorded. However, in many vineyards, the damage was limited, and the grapes are in excellent health and quality. Harvesting, strictly by hand, will begin in the last ten days of September, both for the Soave Classico Levarie and the organic Colbaraca vineyard.
Veneto – Lugana: The yield is in line with the historical average, while the grapes are very healthy and of excellent quality, suggesting an excellent vintage. This result rewards the rigorous commitment to organic management of the Lunatio vineyards.
Veneto – Valdobbiadene: The Tenuta Canevel vineyards are in the pre-harvest phase, and everything points to an extraordinary vintage in terms of quality: the grapes are perfectly healthy, with ideal analytical parameters. The harvest will begin in the first ten days of September with the picking of the grapes destined for the DOCG sparkling wine line made with the exclusive Metodo Setáge, and will then continue with the Terre del Faé and Campofalco crus.
Trentino – Rovereto: At the Conti Bossi Fedrigotti Estate , the grapes for the Conte Federico Trento DOC sparkling wine have already been harvested since mid-August, with excellent yields and quality. The Pinot Grigio harvest for Pian del Griso and the Chardonnay for Vign’Asmara are currently underway. The harvest of red grapes, including Teroldego and Marzemino, for the red wines Fojaneghe and Mas’Est , will begin in a few days.
Friuli Venezia Giulia – Castion di Strada: In the first ten days of August, some hailstorms hit the Grave del Friuli hills, partially affecting the Castion di Strada estate, but without compromising the overall quality of the grapes. Harvesting began on August 19th with the Pinot Grigio destined for Masianco, and will continue from early September with the other white and red varieties. The grapes are generally well-balanced and have good sugar and phenolic concentrations.
Oltrepò Pavese: At the Casa Re estate , the Pinot Noir harvest began on August 16th. The grapes destined for the production of Moxxè del Re – Pinot Noir Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese DOCG – present analytical values fully in line with the required technological maturity. All indicators point to a vintage to remember.
Tuscany: in Val d’Orcia, on the Tenuta dei Poderi del Bello Ovile Serego Alighieri estate , which has been organically farmed for years, it’s been an excellent year for Vermentino, which is already being harvested, as are the Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Ciliegiolo vineyards, where the harvest is scheduled for early September.
“Harvest Festival 2025”: a highly anticipated event at Masi Tenuta Canova
A highly anticipated and popular event by Masi Wine Experience: the “Festa della Vendemmia 2025” on September 19th. Masi Tenuta Canova , in Lazise del Garda, will open its doors to enthusiasts eager to experience the grape harvest firsthand, sharing this ancient art with the agronomists and winemakers of the Technical Group and wearing the special “Masi Vendemmia 2025” T-shirt provided to all participants . The experience will be rounded out with a tour of the drying loft, the cellars, and the Masi Wine Discovery Museum. To top off the day, a tasting dinner featuring select wines will also be featured on the plate.