2003 Harvesting

We will certainly remember the year 2003 for its incredible meteorological trends, with astounding data and extreme weather conditions from the point of view of temperatures and low rainfall level.

The season was initially normal with a regular vegetative restart, mostly favoured by the good water reserves in the soil coming from the previous year’s abundant rainfall.

After spring, characterized by a reduced rainfall and by temperatures slightly higher than average, we got into what can be considered a really exceptional summer with virtually no rainfall (apart from sporadic and useless storms) and with temperatures constantly well above average.

These constant sunny and exceptionally dry weather conditions accounted for a nearly complete lack of vine diseases; however, they were responsible for the severe water shortage which exposed the vines to some sort of African climate.

As a consequence, the grapes were ready to be harvested much earlier than average, but heavily affected by the drought, they had a high sugar content, low acidity and good concentration.

In September and October more regular weather conditions, together with some refreshing showers and low night temperatures, favoured those who had decided to postpone the harvesting. These grapes obviously gained in better phenol ripeness.

The wines

The white wines are balanced and endowed with a good acidity which exalts their freshness and a great fruit character. So even though their structure is not huge, they are pleasant and balanced.

The Dolcetto-based red wines are characterized by a remarkable colour and a lower alcoholic content with comparison to recent previous harvests, which turns them into pleasantly drinkable wines. The fruit is elegant and pleasant, fully consistent with the grapes it comes from.

Barbera-based wines are pleasant and harmonious, which makes us forecast an evolution towards elegance more than towards power, though the balance is very good.

Finally, Nebbiolo-based wines have been definitely favored by the climatic trend of the second half of September with its remarkably variable temperatures ranges. As a consequence, they boast an excellent colour and a good structure and do not have a too high alcoholic content as in the recent past. These wines will already be able to be appreciated since the very early years of ageing.