July 2025 Newsletter – From the vineyard

Winter temperatures were above the historical average, rainfall was below average and Novello received no snow. Stable weather allowed February pruning to proceed without interruption. Budbreak in late-ripening varieties was slightly later than in 2024, but March rain replenished water reserves and accelerated vegetative growth.

April was warmer and wetter than average, followed by unstable conditions in May that required intensive vineyard management. June brought hot, sunny weather and good diurnal variation. A hailstorm on 21 June caused limited, localised damage. Targeted work kept downy and powdery mildew under control.

The family presented climate change as both a challenge and a demand for adaptation. Data and experience gathered under heat, drought and heavy rainfall have improved management and encouraged fuller phenolic maturity. For Nebbiolo, the central objective is ripe tannin: maturity brings depth and finesse, while underripe tannins create hardness and imbalance.