Barbera d'Alba, Anna Maria Abbona, 2024

Grapes

Barbera

Vintage report

The 2024 growing season in Piedmont was defined by rain — a lot of it, particularly through spring and into summer, which kept growers anxious and their tractors busy. Pressure from mildew and other fungal disease was a real concern across the Langhe and Monferrato, and those who managed their vineyards most attentively saw the clearest reward come harvest. A warmer, drier spell in late summer and into September gave the fruit a chance to recover and ripen properly, and cooler nights helped preserve the acidity that Nebbiolo in particular needs to hold its shape. Yields were down in many cellars, but concentration followed.

It is early days for 2024, and we would be cautious about anyone who claims to know exactly how it will all unfold. What we can say is that the wines from growers we trust show good structure, genuine freshness, and none of the overripeness that can flatten a Barolo vintage. Barbera and Dolcetto, which tend to be more forgiving in difficult years, look particularly well-suited to early drinking. The Nebbiolo-based wines will need time — three to five years at a minimum for the better Barolos, with the finest probably not hitting their stride until 2032 or beyond.