Harvest 2020

The season opened with mild winter temperatures and limited precipitation after the very wet end of 2019 had interrupted much late-autumn and winter work. Warmth and the accumulated water reserve advanced Nebbiolo’s development and initially suggested an early harvest.

A strong cold wind during the transition to spring returned temperatures to winter levels without causing damage. Slower budbreak brought the season back toward a normal timetable, but Noctua fimbriata attacked fertile buds and required rapid manual intervention. Dry conditions continued until May; unstable weather in May and June made organic disease protection especially important.

Summer began with average temperatures. July brought little rain, while August storms centred outside the Langhe only partly reduced water scarcity. Maintaining leaf protection against sunburn proved important. Ripening remained gradual and balanced, and the grapes were healthy.

Arneis harvest began on 9 September. Barbera, Dolcetto and Freisa followed in mid-to-late September. One Serraboella Nebbiolo parcel was picked on 21 September, the last day of summer, matching the timing recalled for 1961. Cooler autumn nights then benefited Nebbiolo. Sorì Paitin and the other Serraboella plots were picked on 27 September, Basarin and Faset on 2 October, and Ca Veja on 9 October.

Low natural yields produced balanced concentration, acidity and alcohol, with clearly differentiated cru expressions. Picking decisions balanced weather forecasts and observed ripeness: excessive delay risked losing freshness, while harvesting too early risked emphasising Nebbiolo’s nervous side. The account presents these timing decisions as the human contribution to an otherwise site-driven vintage.