Italy

Sicily

1990
48Grapeyear
challenging Configuration

Sicily 1990 Vintage Report

Defining the 1990 vintage in Sicily requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 12mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 17 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 516 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.

Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 55mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.

About Sicily

A Mediterranean island experiencing a wine renaissance. The volcanic soils of Mount Etna produce mineral-driven Nerello Mascalese, while Nero d'Avola thrives in the warm south.

Climatic Blueprint

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

516

Total Rainfall

465 mm

Sunshine Hours

2447 hrs

Diurnal Shift

7.9 °C

Frost Days

0 days

Average Temperature

11 °C

Historical Context (10 Years)

Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.

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