The 2024 Harvest at Tenuta Carretta: A Complex Vintage

If there were one word to encapsulate the 2024 harvest, it would be “challenging.”

A broad, somewhat generic description, perhaps, but it perfectly captures the journey of those who managed this vintage – navigating temperamental weather that alternately delayed or accelerated grape picking to preserve quality, interpreting the fruit’s potential in the cellar to meet expectations, and finally breathing a sigh of relief at having reached the finish line.

The season unfolded with weather reminiscent of a bygone era, starting with a cold, rainy spring – unlike anything recorded in over 60 years – following yet another mild, dry winter that had sparked concerns about dwindling water reserves. This unusual climate ultimately yielded wines with remarkable freshness and elegance: the vintage concluded in harmony, a testament to the vine’s extraordinary ability to adapt to diverse conditions.

At Tenuta Carretta, where sustainable viticulture is at the core of everything we do, this year posed particular challenges. Carefully monitoring thresholds for pathogen infections and assessing the ripening progress of different varieties required precision and patience. Despite lower yields compared to recent years – due to the cold and rain disrupting flowering and fruit set – the grapes we harvested were beautiful and healthy, bursting with juice, natural acidity (including malic acid), and vibrant aromas.

The 2024 harvest officially kicked off on September 7th with Nebbiolo grapes destined for Nebbiolo d’Alba Spumante Rosato Cuvée San Rocco. Next came our Alta Langa vineyards: Pinot Noir on September 10th, Chardonnay on the 16th, and Riesling Renano on October 7th.

The Arneis harvest ran from September 12th to 22nd, yielding excellent quantities and quality, with a perfectly balanced acidic and aromatic profile.

Then it was time for the reds. Dolcetto, harvested on September 25th, displayed moderate sugar levels, good polyphenolic ripeness, and an aromatic profile leaning more toward spices than red fruit. On September 27th, we moved to Barbera, which once again demonstrated its remarkable versatility, reaching its full potential even in these challenging conditions.In the cellar, both wines are already showing balance, moderate alcohol, and an intensely fruity aromatic profile.

The Nebbiolo harvest unfolded vineyard by vineyard: Langhe Podio kicked things off on October 2, followed by Roero Bric Paradiso on October 8, Barbaresco Garassino on October 9, and Nebbiolo d’Alba Tavoleto on October 11. We wrapped up with Barbaresco Cascina Bordino on October 12 and Cascina Ferrero and Cannubi on October 14-15.

Now in the refinement stage, the wines are showing immense promise. They are fragrant, fresh, and elegant, with impressive length and excellent structure.