2015

2015 began with a winter marked by abundant snowfalls, which allowed an excellent accumulation of water reserves in the earth. This factor, along with a spring with mild temperatures that began in February, allowed the vegetative cycle to begin early and develop constantly throughout the growing season. The budding was regular but early compared to 2014, as was the blooming, which began towards the middle of May and was followed by an excellent setting of the clusters. The season continued with a series of precipitations between the end of May and the first ten days of June. From the second half of June on, lasting the entire month of July, the were was no rainfall and the temperatures reached stable, above-average maximums: in July, in fact, the maximums reached peaks of 40°C, with averages far above 30°C. The high temperatures did not, however, cause any stress-related damages to the vineyards thanks to the plentiful water supplies stored during the first months of the year. The climatic conditions registered at the beginning of the summer laid the foundations for an early ripening of the grapes, which started about ten days earlier than the prior year; nevertheless, this vintage can be considered as being “normal”.

In terms of quantity, on average, the productions were standard, allowing focused and prudent thinning-out operations. During this vintage, special attention was needed when it came to managing the foliage of the vineyards: as the amount of solar irradiation was so high, it was crucial to not expose the clusters too much and risk them being burned, particularly in the vineyards facing south and south-west.

Otherwise, when it came to the health of the grapes, this vintage can be remembered as being one of the best of the last few years. During this vintage no special defensive measures needed to be taken since the climate significantly contributed in limiting the development of fungal diseases, with the exception of certain areas that suffered more from hail-related damages, although, fortunately, these were enclosed and not very extensive areas. The harvest of Dolcetto began around the middle of September. The high summer temperatures caused, more so than in other varietals, a decrease in acidity whereas the solar irradiations of the summer months allowed the grapes to accumulate a good amount of anthocyanins which should give smooth wines with intense colours. In general, we can undoubtedly state, also seeing the great balance in data collected in regards to maturation, that 2015 has the prerequisites for being a great vintage, one to be remembered, and one like few others.

DOGLIANI SAN LUIGI