The 2024 vintage tasting from the Gustava Vineyard, nestled on the storied slopes of the Castle of Grinzane Cavour—a site once owned by Italy’s founding father Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour—has delivered a clear message: this is a vintage of precision over power, of vibration over density.
At the heart of the acclaimed "Barolo en Primeur" project, now in its fifth year, Vigna Gustava's 2024 harvest was presented at a technical tasting held in Fubine, at Enosis Meraviglia, the wine research center of celebrated oenologist Donato Lanati. He has been a guiding force in this charitable initiative since its inception in 2021. The vintage will be the centerpiece of the October 24, 2025 auction, once again entrusted to Christie’s, with simultaneous events in New York, London, Montreal, and Hong Kong. To date, the project has raised over €3.3 million for cultural, social, and educational causes.
A Vintage of Complexity, Managed with Finesse
According to international wine critic Antonio Galloni, who participated in the tasting, the 2024 vintage is a fascinating study in subtlety. Persistent rain during both the growing season and harvest presented serious challenges, demanding selective picking, short macerations, and delicate winemaking. The result: ethereal, floral, and citrus-driven Nebbiolos, with finely integrated tannins, lively acidity, and a distinct elegance.
Barrels from older vines on the mid-slopes stood out for their transparency and aromatic complexity—evoking dried flowers, blood orange, and wild strawberries. In contrast, those from lower slopes, with south-southwest exposures, expressed lighter, fragrant profiles but with less structure—still graceful and immediate.
The Soul of a Vineyard, Captured Barrel by Barrel
Each barrique, vinified separately, told a unique story. For instance:
- Barrel 10 was praised for its raw energy and potential.
- Barrels 11 and 12 exemplified tension and refinement.
- Barrel 14 surprised tasters with its balsamic, spicy, alpine character, underscoring the depth of the vintage.
Even the tonneau—made from grapes not destined for the flagship barrels—reflected the vineyard's harmony, clarity, and freshness, reinforcing the overall quality of the terroir.
A Vision for Barolo's Future
“The Barolo from Vigna Gustava once again proves to be a wine of great quality,” said Giuliano Viglione, president of the Fondazione CRC Donare, highlighting the exceptional work of Donato Lanati and the strong partnership among institutions.
For Sergio Germano, president of the Consorzio Tutela Barolo, Barbaresco, Alba, Langhe e Dogliani, the 2024 vintage represents a turning point: elegant, accessible, and inviting even to newcomers to Barolo. He likened it to a painting in soft colors, full of luminous nuance and quiet intensity.
Community Spirit and Charitable Commitment
The “municipal lot” catalog returns in 2025 with 65 local wineries offering exclusive selections under their town names. Large-format bottles and specially curated lots will again support local institutions like the Alba School of Enology and other community-based projects.
“Barolo en Primeur” is more than a charity auction—it is a cultural statement, an exploration of terroir through micro-vinification, and a model of how fine wine can serve both the palate and the greater good.
Source: WineNews