The 2018 vintage for Barolo wines is characterised by a mixed character, where patience and careful selection of grapes were crucial to produce high quality wines.

Climate and Weather Conditions:

The 2018 growing season started with a cold winter, followed by a wet spring, which led to a late start of flowering. Spring was rainy, which increased the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. This required extra attention from winegrowers to keep the vineyards healthy.

The summer saw a series of warm days, but without the extreme heat waves that have characterised some other years. The weather was generally temperate with sufficient rainfall, which allowed for good development of the grapes. Autumn brought an extended ripening period, with sufficient sunshine and dry conditions, which gave the grapes time to fully ripen.

Quality and Style of the Wines:

The 2018 wines generally show a nice balance between ripeness and freshness. The best Barolos from this year have refined tannins, good acidity, and complex aromas of red and black fruits, spices, and earthy notes. The vintage is praised for its elegance and drinkability at a younger age, although the wines also have the potential to age well.

However, there is variation in the quality of the wines, depending on the location of the vineyards and the care with which they have been managed. Wineries that have selectively harvested and worked carefully have achieved excellent results, while other wines may lack concentration or complexity.