The Barbera vendemmia is in full swing -- tractors on the roads, the cantine are working around the clock to get the grapes crushed and in the vats.
The verdict this year for Barbera:
Very few grapes, but of a very good quality. This season was much more work than a normal season because of all of the rain before June 20th. This meant staying on top of the mold and keeping whatever grapes survived the deluge of water healthy. Some farmers didn't and have absolutely no grapes this year. Those who did were blessed with a good growing season -- and a good sugar content at harvesting. But not alot of quantity. So if the 2008's come out as good as they say, they might end up costing more because of limited quantity.
In short:
2007 -- Poco lavoro, tante uve -- not a lot of work, lots of good grapes (it was a very hot, very dry year)
2008 -- Tanto lavoro, poche uve -- lots of work, not a lot of good grapes.
And so it goes in the wine country!!
1 comment:
Had a flight of four different Barberas last night and topped it off with a Dolcetto from Chionetti. Very nice.
Hear this years harvest is very uneven. Matureing is very variable and selective picking in the vinyard is necessary. You are right. Those who do the right job this year will have fewer but excellent wines.
All the best
Syn & Odd Inge
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