“From the moment grapes were picked, there has been great excitement over the potential of the 2019 vintage.”

Maggie MacPherson, Group Buyer

After two warmer than average vintages, 2019 heralded a return to the norm, with the harvest of Nebbiolo commencing at the beginning of October once again. As is increasingly typical throughout the wine growing regions of Europe, there are always fears that a succession of warmer-than-average vintages signals the arrival of a trend that may only continue upwards. The relative cool weather of 2019, although temperamental at times, was greeted with joy by the producers of Piemonte. The only blemish is that such intensely flavoured grapes come at the cost of a reduced yield, which is down 15 – 20%, mirroring what we have seen in Burgundy of late.

A normal winter, peppered with flurries of snow throughout January and February, preceded a firm cold and rainy Spring. With the growth cycle of the vines delayed, viticulturalists predicted that, all things going well, the harvest would be protracted but manageable. Deluges of heavy rain threatened disease, yet were essential to for replenishing water reserves to ensure vines sustained healthy grapes throughout the summer season. Summer was hot and cloudless from June to September, with an especially violent heat spike in July causing further disruption to the growing cycle, leading to a harvest time projected to be a full ten days later than in 2018. Regular fits of rain throughout September, including a very localised hail storm, ensured that the vines avoided stress in the run up to harvest, producing grapes with thick skins and a greater skin to pulp ratio than the previous year. The Nebbiolo harvest kicked off week commencing 9th October in Roero, with no further surprises.

From the moment grapes were picked, there has been great excitement over the potential of the 2019 vintage. Following a week spent tasting Nebbiolo in all of its guises, set against the backdrop of the Langhe hills in February 2023, it is clear to see why producers were so excited. A consistent pattern of weather throughout 2019 has produced wines of exceptionally impressive quality at all price points. Langhe Nebbiolos are charming in their youthful exuberance and singing “drink me now” while the Barbarescos and Barolos are quietly chanting “good things come to those who wait”, which will prove difficult as they’re already incredibly beguiling with many moreish qualities coming through despite their powerful structure. For those who are yet to experience the joys of Nebbiolo, 2019 is the perfect vintage to do so. The producers are happy, we are happy, and so will you be upon that first sip.