2014

When observing the climatic conditions of the 2014 vintage, we notice that the temperature summations are in line with data of the last few years; furthermore, the days with temperatures considered beneficial to the physiology of the plants were distributed throughout the entire growth cycle, beginning with mild winter temperatures. The spring met the vineyards of the Langhe gradually but relatively early, causing an earlier vegetative awakening than the year before. Even from the first stages, the physiological development of the vine was not the same in all areas, the differences being due to the microclimatic variability of our valleys, clearly noticeable from the start if compared to the average situation. The beginning of the summer was marked by ordinary temperatures, which, compared to the year before, sustained a slightly advanced development that had begun in the spring. The amount of summer precipitations was above average due to the intensity of the rains, as opposed to the amount of rainy days. In a few instances, we witnessed actual downpours that were very confined and intense. Particularly significant were those of the 23^rd and 29^th of July, which had very different effects: in some areas as much as 63mm of rain was recorded in a single day, while only 15km away 13mm were recorded. The amount of rain combined with moderate-warm average temperatures, created the ideal conditions for fungal attacks: never before, in recent years, had the farmers had to pay so much attention to this issue in order keep the grapes healthy until their ripening. Choosing the correct ways to manage the vineyards and carefully choosing the time to operate had never been so crucial for the health of the clusters. Furthermore, the other damage the grapes suffered occurred before the thinning-out process: this allowed the farmers to salvage the health of the grapes by preventing additional rotting. Obviously, this resulted in lower quantities being produced during a vintage which was already less productive than others. The weather during the month of September was surely beneficial, with good temperature excursions lasting until the end of October, significantly contributing to the ripening of the grapes and to the accumulation of phenolic components. Among the red grape varietals, Dolcetto was perhaps the one that yielded the lowest quantities, yet, where the green pruning and canopy management were done correctly, there were no health issues with the grapes. The resulting wines are expected to be balanced, a bit less structured and alcoholic, with interesting bouquets and intense colours thanks to the anthocyanins, greatly distinct especially in the areas of Dogliani and Diano d’Alba.

DOGLIANI SAN LUIGI