THE CURRENT VINTAGES OF ITALIAN FINE WINE: BRUNELLO 21, BAROLO 22 AND BARBARESCO 23

BRUNELLO 2021

Montalcino follows on from 2020 with a quality 2021 vintage. 

Winter months were marked by abundant rainfall, ensuring well-replenished water reserves ahead of the growing season. Warm temperatures and increased sunlight from mid-February to late March prompted earlier budding across much of the region.

Early April, however, brought cold winds which swept down from the north, resulting in spring frosts that dropped temperatures below freezing. The impact varied across the appellation, with lower-lying vineyards experiencing the greatest losses. The remainder of spring saw limited rainfall alongside higher-than-average temperatures, creating generally dry conditions.

By the start of summer, vines appeared in excellent health. Warm and dry weather persisted through July and August, offering optimal ripening conditions without excessive stress. A few timely rain showers in August brought welcome relief from the heat, slowing the final stages of ripening. Producers also noted the highly favourable diurnal shifts during this period. Harvest started slightly earlier, in the first days of September where fruit arrived at the wineries in pristine condition.

Producers across the board have reported great satisfaction with quality with some of these wines are expected to be outstanding.

BAROLO 2022

The 2022 vintage was marked by warm, dry conditions.

From the offset, winter brought mild weather and a shortage of rainfall. These conditions set the tone for the growing season ahead which commenced in line with recent vintages. Early spring brought favourable weather, with no significant rainfall and standard timing for budbreak. Temperatures in April and May followed seasonal averages and the persistent trend of low rainfall continued. Rising temperatures at the end of May however, extended into June and throughout summer.

Warm, dry conditions accelerated development in the vineyards, with flowering taking place around 10 days earlier than average. The absence of fungal pressure simplified vineyard management, while canopy management proved critical in protecting grapes from sunburn and slowing ripening during the long, sunny summer months.

While warmth defined the vintage, there were no extreme peaks of heat and at harvest, grapes were very healthy, though yields were lower than the average. Quality producers will have focused on the preservation of acid levels for better balance.

BARBARESCO 2023

The 2023 vintage in Barbaresco followed closely on the heels of 2022, once again marked by scarce water reserves, a snowless winter, and low rainfall.

The early part of spring was defined by water stress. However, abundant showers in May proved decisive, reviving the vines for the remainder of the season. Late spring and the beginning summer brought further rainfall, though this excess water led to heightened disease pressure.

Through the summer months, conditions shifted towards warmer, drier weather, lasting until the end of August. While some vines in warmer parcels felt the heat, timely rains towards the end of summer offered much-needed relief. Generally speaking, healthy fruit was picked at harvest and yields were moderate.