During the autumn and winter of 2012, environmental conditions aligned closely with the twenty-year average, with normal rainfall and no out-of-season frosts. Adequate cold-hour accumulation and soil moisture reserves allowed for uniform and abundant budburst. Spring was notably wet, with 84% more rainfall than usual, fostering vigorous vine growth and eliminating the need for supplemental irrigation.

From January onward, the climate shifted dramatically: rainfall between the onset of ripening and harvest was 33% below normal, creating ideal conditions for grape maturation. There were no extreme daytime temperatures, and numerous nights dipped below 15 °C. Late January brought a hailstorm that affected part of the southern vineyards. Ripening began early, advancing harvest by a week—starting on January 25 and concluding on March 19, several days ahead of the usual schedule.

Overall, it was a historic vintage in terms of quality and strong in yield. The wines showed remarkable levels of alcohol, color, and aromatic intensity across a wide range of varieties—many of which will require long aging to fully realize their extraordinary potential.