Description

The 2020 vintage began with a relatively mild and dry winter, temperatures above average and precipitations and snowfalls few and far between.

The first part of spring was relatively dry and sunny, ensuring a homogeneous resumption of plant growth, with bud breaking starting at the beginning of March. A couple of rainy days in April and more so in May when the climate was unstable climate and continued until late June. On the one hand, the advantage built up at the beginning of spring was worn out by the slowing down in plant growth, while on the other hand, the accumulation of water in the soil, combined with not overly high temperatures during the summer, prevented water stress issues. As far as production volume is concerned, green harvest was necessary in the summer to balance a relatively abundant crop.

The “heat wave” came in August with two weeks of day temperature above 90°F. Some rain at the end of the month helped to cool down the climate helping a more balance ripening of the grapes. First three weeks of September were mild with little temperature excursion between night and day, last week brought cooler nights and helped a better aromatic concentration.

Nebbiolo proved to be in excellent condition when it was ready for picking at the very beginning of October. Growth was constant, rather than exponential, with nice balance of aromas and tannins. The early start of the season and the good water supply through the summer kept a good acidity level while also allowing excellent sugar accumulation.

In conclusion, also considering grape ripening control data, the 2020 vintage in Barbaresco can be said to be extremely good with points of excellence, not as full bodied as some of the vintages before, but complete and complex enough to produce medium-long ageing potential wines.