2004

The abundant precipitations of the first months of 2004, on top of the precipitations of autumn 2013, restored the water reserves in the earth after they had noticeably diminished after the dry and hot summer of 2003. A snowy winter with harsh average temperatures was followed by a spring with heavy, prolonged rains lasting until the beginning of May and causing a delay of the vines’ budding phase. Initially, these precipitations got the farmers worried about possible early downy-mildew attacks but, fortunately, these did not occur and the pathogen remained an ordinary virulence. Powdery mildew, on the other hand, was what actually troubled the producers of the Langhe and Roero the most once it appeared in many vineyards, stimulated by cloudy days, average temperatures, and high relative humidity.

During the following months, the summer temperatures did not rise excessively, with almost no sultry or rainy periods. These conditions allowed the grapes to develop well, reaching medium-large dimensions. Late budding and summer temperatures that were never too high, contributed to a regular growth of the vines but also to an estimated 10-day delay of the ripening of the grapes.

The distinguishing trait of 2014 in our region was the arrival of a heat wave that lasted for the whole month of September and the first few days of October, which were full of sunshine, with no precipitations, and with temperatures above the season’s average. Because of these conditions, upon harvesting, the grapes were perfectly healthy and ripe, allowing the producers to harvest with easy and without worries.

Harvesting in 2004 began later that in other years in which it was premature, such as 2003. The grapes reached levels of quality that exceeded expectations. It was also a vintage during which the vine-growers were more cautious and attentive in trying to regulate and manage the production while balancing it out with the plants’ vegetation. After the middle of September, it was finally time for the harvesting of Dolcetto in all of the four production areas, which was over between the end of September and the beginning of October. The first data from the cellars promised wines with great potential, with good alcohol levels, a satisfying acidity, and intense colours.

To sum up: good build-up of water supplies during winter, with intense and frequent snowfalls. Consistent rains in April and May that also contributed to the water reserves needed in the following months. Rare precipitations between June and August, with generally no water deficiencies or excesses. Totally, from January to October, precipitations reached 500 mm, an average amount. The minimum temperatures remained quite low for the duration of the vegetative period and the maximum temperatures were above 30°C for only a few days during the first ten days of June and a few days in July: as a result the temperature summations were lower than those of 2003 and 2000 and more similar to those of 2001. From the end of August until the middle of October the climatic trends were excellent, with warmer temperatures, lower relative humidity, no precipitations, and significant temperature excursions. The climate trends of September were similar to those of 1997 and 2000.