The Azienda Agricola Pianta Grossa di Luciano Zoppo Ronzero surveils the busy route that passes through the heart of, Donnas. The vineyard elevations climb from 318 to 500 meters above the winery. Here the Pergolas pour shade and folliage over every steeply terraced ledge, and the vineyard overflows with delicious, ripe fruit. After climbing among the terraces for 30 minutes, we tasted 2 of their exceptional wines.
The Valle d’Aosta is:
A “living archive of pre‑industrial viticulture” preserving ancient clones and ungrafted vines
A region where native grapes dominate and DOC rules protect typicity (no international varieties permitted in DOC wines)
A place where extreme altitude, glacial soils, and heroic viticulture create wines of “electric acidity and crystalline aromatics”
The combination of low yields and high quality for vintage 2025 is expected to make the 2025 Bordeaux vintage highly attractive to collectors and investors. Early commentary from critics and market analysts suggests that the best wines will command strong demand in the en primeur campaign, particularly from top estates in Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol. However, the small harvest may exacerbate competition for limited allocations, and pricing will be a critical factor in determining the success of the campaign.
The 2025 growing season in Bordeaux will be remembered for its exceptional heat and early harvests. Following a mild winter that replenished groundwater, spring arrived early and dry, leading to rapid budburst and uniform flowering. Summer brought record temperatures, with multiple heatwaves—particularly in August—pushing vines to their physiological limits. Rainfall was scarce, and the combination of heat and drought led to smaller berries, thick skins, and reduced yields, but also to high concentration and healthy fruit.
Weather statistics tell an interesting story about climate and grape growing. This year’s weather statistics show clearly how this year’s unusual weather patterns shaped the quantity and quality of the 2024 Bordeaux wine production. The relationship between weather conditions and wine quality is a key focus, as each season’s behavior leaves a lasting impact on grape growth and, ultimately, the character of the wine.
The 2023 Bordeaux vintage will be successful, with good to exceptional quality attained in all regions. As usual, it was a difficult vintage.