BAROLO

The warm 2015 growing season in Barolo posed a few challenges for growers, but overall, it was excellent. Coming after the extremely difficult 2014 vintage, which was marked by cool summer temperatures and intense rain during the growing season, the overall hot 2015 vintage was a welcome relief for growers. Despite the above-average summer-time temperatures, 2015 Barolos are balanced and poised, with restrained alcohol levels.

The year began with plenty of snow and precipitation, creating an abundant reserve of water in the soils that proved crucial during the scorching summer. Mild temperatures dominated from February to May, accelerating bud break and flowering. The end of May and the first 10 days of June saw a series of rainfalls and storms followed by extreme, persistent heat and drought throughout July and the first part of August. Vineyard management was crucial during the summer, especially leaf canopy management, and great care had to be taken to avoid exposing clusters, which would have resulted in scorching the berries, namely in south and southwest facing vineyards.

While most wines will be approachable starting around the eight-year mark, they also show good aging poential.

Nebbiolo ripened extremely well and grapes were remarkably healthy, with the Barolo harvest starting between the end of September and beginning of October. The 2015s have higher acidity and better color stability than other hot years, like 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2011. Most 2015 Barolos also have more restrained alcohol than other hot vintages, ranging