Vintage 2024
Climatic Trends
The 2024 vintage was characterized by intense and complex weather patterns:
- Winter and Spring (February–June): This was an exceptionally rainy season, with over 900 mm of total rainfall—almost three times more than in 2022–23. This abundance effectively compensated for previous years of drought. However, these heavy rains delayed key phenological stages like budburst and fruit set, increasing the risk of pathogens such as downy and powdery mildew. This necessitated prompt and attentive phytosanitary interventions.
- Summer (mid-June–mid-September): The summer brought a drier, sunnier period, ideal for the ripening of white grapes and early red varieties.
- Late September–early October: This phase saw alternating dry and wet days. Harvests had to be extremely well-timed to ensure grape health and optimal ripeness.
Impact on Nebbiolo, Barbera, and White Varieties
- Nebbiolo (Barolo & Barbaresco): Nebbiolo ripening proceeded smoothly. While the wines exhibit slightly less power than usual, yields were satisfactory where harvesting and vine selection were well-managed, leading to elegant and refined wines.
- Barbera: This variety enjoyed very good yields, especially in premier vineyards, thanks to a vigorous spring and well-supported summer ripening.
- White Varieties (Moscato, Arneis, Cortese): For white varieties, 2024 was an excellent vintage, marked by freshness and balanced maturity.
Quality Assessment & Conclusions
The 2024 vintage is recognized as “intense and complex,” yet notable for yielding fine, elegant wines that are well-balanced between acidity and aromatic character.
In summary, the 2024 vintage stands out for:
- Extreme Weather: Heavy spring and autumn rainfall posed challenges during harvest, but timely interventions proved effective.
- Terroir Resilience: Attentive vineyard management and responsiveness delivered balanced wines despite the conditions.
- Winemaking Style: Wines are more elegant and less structured, with polished tannins and easy drinkability—making them more youthful and versatile compared to 2022/23.
- Production Levels: Overall yields were satisfactory for many producers, thanks in part to Barbera’s strong performance and good Nebbiolo ripening in top sites.
Overall, 2024 is an outstanding example of high-level viticulture, resulting in elegant, fresh Barolo and Barbaresco with graceful drinkability and excellent potential, especially in premier vineyard areas.