2022, a high quality year for Domaine Sigalas
The conditions
Mild weather, yet with rainfall exceeding the average standards of the last decades: that could summarize the conditions met in Santorini in 2022.
Growing season
It was characterised by a moderate winter with much higher than usual precipitation. Truly, a rare phenomenon for Santorini and a much-awaited gift for the local vine growers. 320mm of rain was recorded during October 2021 – mid-March 2022, compared to 190mm over the same period the previous year. Spring was warm without the typical strong winds -a factor that had often caused notable damages to the vines on the sensitive growth stage of the season. All the above led to a late but smooth ripening. Grapes with high acidity level, high quality bunches.
Harvest time
The lack of heatwaves was a key factor this year. Hard to forget the long and extreme temperatures that had battered the yields in 2021. 2022 harvest began gradually starting from the lower altitude vine plots.
Unexpectedly, the usual dry weather was interrupted by a steep rainfal (27mm) on 24 August. Hence, that atypical incident in the heart of the harvest affected a few areas of the island.
The result
The total island’s production was increased by 25-30% compared to the previous vintage. Top-notch quality of the grapes and high demand led to a further price increase by 15%.
For Domaine Sigalas
The region of Oia -the main source of our grapes- gave fruits of excellent quality thanks to the favourable weather and our vigilance regarding plant protection.
Our harvest calendar progressed as following:
14 August: Assyrtiko and Athiri (white varieties)
15 August: Mavrotragano (red)
27 August: Mandilaria (red)
8 September: Aidani (white)
Our 2022 Vintage
Without doubt, we can talk about a high quality year. The conditions met during the year promoted the formation of outstanding aromas -more intense than in previous years. The flagship Assyrtiko is demonstrating a benchmark typicity with high acidity, structure, long aftertaste and notable ageing potential. Likewise, Mavrotragano is expected to give wines of exceptional vitality, structure and notable lifespan.
