2026 Harvest The climate surprises but quality promises well

In June, the ripening of the grapes seemed very early, then the high temperatures delayed the vegetative cycle. Today we can affirm that the harvest took place in almost normal periods, certainly not weeks earlier compared to previous years. Yet still in mid-July, oenologists, agronomists and entrepreneurs were very concerned.

I add that the amarcord is quite different: I recall that on November 19, 1979 the last load of Nebbiolo grapes for Barbaresco had arrived at Fontanafredda, while for the Pinot Nero, Grigio and Bianco grapes of Oltrepò Pavese, harvesting had begun the first week of September.

This year among the rows of Lirio, Montecalvo and Pietra de Giorgi, that is the most suitable communes of the province of Pavia, there were already ranks of grape pickers at the end of July, while in Calosso, Santo Stefano Belbo and Strevi, the prized aromatic Moscato Bianco grapes and Brachetto had been harvested, for the most part, already in August.

Great movement therefore on the small roads of the numerous fractions of the 52 communes of the Asti DOCG zone, while on the winery courtyards, lines of trucks were waiting to unload, from the bins into the augers, the golden bunches of the prized grapes mentioned above.

White and red grapes, the harvest balance

This 2026 harvest was characterized by white grapes of excellent quality, healthy, with a good sugar content and acidity at average levels. The yields in the vineyard, despite unfavorable climatic conditions, were also good.

For the red grapes the same discourse, the Barbera grapes were rich in polyphenols, responsible for the violet-red color in the finished wine, while the Nebbiolo grapes arrived perfectly healthy, with an excellent level of phenolic potential, rich in proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, signifying a good potential for future evolution in barrel and in bottle.

Certainly the harvest period for grapes has for years now been increasingly early, but it must be immediately specified that equipment and machinery work miracles.

In the winery the oenological practices took place regularly, without particular problems, thanks to the health of the grapes and the balanced composition of the bunch.

Certainly the harvest period for grapes has for years now been increasingly early, but it must be immediately specified that equipment and machinery work miracles.

Technology in the winery at the service of quality

Today, in almost all wineries, small or large as they may be, technology has entered.

In fact cold and stainless steel are well present, among mini and maxi refrigeration systems, crushers, very soft in the treatment of bunches and multifunctional presses, in timing and movements and innovative filters of the latest generation.

All to guarantee a perfect pressing process and subsequent vinification.

In short, a vintage rich in aromas and perfumes of high intensity is announced, with full and very balanced flavors.

With the hope that time will give us further confirmation of the quality of the 2026 vintage.