The climatic trend of 2022 was peculiar but somehow ideal for the production of wines destined for long aging. The vegetative awakening, delayed by at least ten days compared to usual, protected the new shoots from the cold snaps of early spring. April and May were regular, while June was dry compared to previous years. July, on the other hand, was particularly rainy, delaying veraison and the overall ripening of the grapes. An extremely slow ripening process led us to extend the harvest date by a few more days compared to usual and to make the decision to thin out some grape clusters to lighten the vines and bring each individual berry to perfect ripeness. Saturday, October 16th, was the day of the harvest. The grapes, placed in small 15 kg perforated crates, rested for the entire night in the natural cold of the Dolomites to be processed only the morning after.
Approximately 1200 kg of Johanniter were harvested from the two small crus, divided equally. The two parcels were vinified separately, and after static clarification in unlined concrete tanks, they began fermentation in French oak barriques. The must from the older vineyard was transferred into two new barriques, while the must from the younger vineyard was transferred into two second-use barriques, which had been used for the first time for the 2021 vintage. The alcoholic fermentation lasted approximately three weeks for both wines, which started with an almost identical sugar content. After vigorous battonage, the two wines, still separately, returned to concrete to carry out malolactic fermentation. After about two weeks, once the malic acid was depleted, the two batches were put back into wood to begin their aging process. For Vin de la Neu, aging is a crucial phase to achieve the desired elegance and complexity through significant work on the lees and micro-oxygenation. For the 2022 vintage, batonnage was performed daily until early spring. In April, the wine from the historic vineyard and the wine from the younger vineyard were blended, then spent the final six months of aging already assembled. In October 2023, after being clarified and filtered, the wine was bottled to begin its aging in glass until July 2025.tenth-2022
Rich with mountain energy, it recalls a mix of aromatic herbs such as thyme, marjoram, pine needles, mountain pine, white moss, boxwood, grapefruit, and lime. The contrast with the vibrant citrus component is satisfying and engaging. With time in the glass, it opens up and offers hints of chamomile, helichrysum, and vetiver. Medium-bodied, with a solid and linear structure, it shows grace and a delicate presence combined with a beautiful, genuine progression. Great drinkability and substance.
A total of 1,000 bottles were produced for this vintage.