Vintage 2022
Climatic Trends
The 2022 vintage was characterized by a mild and particularly dry winter, with below-average rainfall and higher-than-average seasonal temperatures. The lack of snow and rain limited the soil’s water reserves, raising concerns for the upcoming growing season.
Spring continued with fair weather and low rainfall, resulting in budbreak in line with recent years. Flowering occurred early, approximately ten days ahead of average, thanks to warm temperatures and continued dryness.
Summer brought intense heat and prolonged drought, with peaks exceeding 35°C. This caused water stress in the vines, especially those in more exposed areas. Vegetative growth was limited, and grape clusters were smaller than usual. However, the absence of rain helped prevent the spread of fungal diseases, simplifying vineyard management.
In August, some rainfall revived the vines and lowered average temperatures, encouraging renewed vegetative activity and improving the conditions for grape ripening.
September brought balanced rainfall, which allowed for optimal grape ripening, with favorable day-night temperature variations supporting polyphenolic development.
Impact of the Climate on Grape Ripening
Nebbiolo, the key grape variety in the Barolo and Barbaresco denominations, demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to adverse climatic conditions. The scarcity of water and high temperatures reduced yields, but the harvested grapes were in excellent sanitary condition, with thick skins rich in polyphenols — a promising sign for wines of great structure and longevity.
Although yields were below average, the quality of the grapes was excellent, with a good balance of acidity, tannins, and sugars. Harvest began 10 to 15 days earlier than in more “typical” vintages, with Nebbiolo picked from the last ten days of September into early October.
Conclusions
Despite the climatic challenges, the 2022 vintage yielded wines of high quality, showing good structure, elegance, and aging potential. The vine’s ability to adapt to extreme weather conditions led to a successful harvest, reaffirming the resilience of the Langhe terroir.