May Flowers & Cabernet Franc

There is a local saying, “Forza e coraggio, dopo aprile viene maggio,” translated as “Be strong; after April, May will come along.” After the hottest April on record, our May weather is behaving as if each day is a surprise; it may rain, temperatures may be in the forties or they may be in the seventies.

Thankfully April showers tempered the unexpected heat and worked their magic. Tuscany is now emerald green, with riotous splashes of red poppies and yellow ginestra dotting the fields. It is the time of purples: irises, wisteria and fragrant lilac. Our vineyards are wild gardens, full of flowering peas, fava beans and mustard, planted to nurture the vines and provide biodiversity.