For decades, the Carignano grape harvest has represented a fundamental social rite for the community of Sant'Antiocoan island historically devoted to wine-growing well before the advent of wine cellars. The symbolic vine and oenological heritage of the island is the Carignano del Sulcis, cultivated exclusively FOOTNOTE thanks to the sandy soils that protect the vines from phylloxera and create an ideal substrate for high quality production.

Grape harvest: between celebration and work

On the island, the grape harvest traditional has always been synonym for partyfrom the hand-harvesting in the vineyards of enthusiasts and hobbyists, which become occasions for conviviality and large lunches with friends and relatives, to private and social enterprises, for which the harvest represents a period of intense work, decisive for the annual performance. Even in the largest wineries, the harvest is celebrated with convivial moments between employees to celebrate the results achieved.

Traditional Method and Grape Quality

La grape harvest in Sant'Antioco still takes place in a way manualThis is both out of respect for tradition and for the conditions of the vineyards with very narrow rows that do not allow mechanisation. This respect for tradition, although it makes the work more tiring, guarantees healthier and higher quality grapeswhich are essential for the island's wines.

The community's link with viticulture

La strong community participation confirms how deeply rooted vine-growing in Sant'Antioco is in the territory and in the collective memory: almost all the inhabitants remember the festive atmosphere associated with the grape harvest from childhood.

Climate Change and Harvest Anticipation

Today, because of the climate changeThere has been a noticeable contraction in harvest dates over the last decade. as early as the first days of September.

Vintage 2025: early ripening and high quality

In the current yearparticularly hot and dry in June and July, the grapes ripened early as early as August.
The significant temperature fluctuations in August favoured the concentration of sugars and phenolic ripening, guaranteeing very high quality grapes despite a lower yield.
This situation results in an excellent polyphenol concentration, making the vintage particularly suitable for the production of fine ageing wines.

Giovanni Salidu e Roberto Matzeu