Ornellaia 2022 harvest: Vintage on the verge for Italy's iconic property

The growers of Ornellaia have demonstrated adaptability and resilience to variable weather conditions and have been able to produce top quality grapes despite inconsistent weather throughout the year. The owners of this world-renowned wine empire have coped with the unusual weather conditions thanks to the great skill of their team. Axel Heinz, director of the Ornellaia estate, describes this vintage as a constant challenge that required flexibility in winemaking and a lucky coincidence of weather conditions closer to harvest. "This vintage has always been on the verge of disaster, but various weather events have balanced the negative effects, allowing winemakers to create a nuanced expression of wines of the highest quality through flexibility of mind and resilience," says Heinz.

The 2022 vintage began with normal winter temperatures and a cool spring, resulting in a slightly delayed start to bud break on the vines. However, the situation changed in May when temperatures exceeded 30°C (86°F) and there was virtually no rain for 75 consecutive days, which tested the growth, flowering and vetching of the grapes. Harvest began early on August 9 with the Sauvignon Blanc variety, but was immediately interrupted by summer thunderstorms that further disrupted the previously favorable conditions. The abundant rainfall was a game changer, relieving moisture stress and activating the ripening process. Finally, a cool and sunny September brought near perfect ripening conditions for Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. "The imprint of the roast vintage is evident in the wines," Heinz says.