GIANNI DOGLIA, 2026 HARVEST: AN EARLY SEASON TESTS THE VINEYARD’S EQUILIBRIUM
In Castagnole delle Lanze, harvest began on August 11 with Moscato, followed by Barbera on September 1. Early indications point to an early season and to the vine’s growing ability to adapt to new climate conditions.
Castagnole delle Lanze, 17 September 2026 – Gianni Doglia’s 2026 harvest started with Moscato on August 11, and followed by Barbera on September 1. A significantly precocious harvest, particularly for Barbera, which the winery sees as a further sign of a tangible effects of climate change on viticulture.
Harvest is not over yet, and any assessment of the vintage must remain preliminary. Early observations highlight grapes that are more concentrated than in previous years, but with a great balance between acidity, structure and polyphenolic ripeness that the first batches to arrive at the winery are already confirming.
«Climate change is no longer a future prospect, but a reality we deal with every day. What we observe is that the vine often has an ability to adapt greater than our own: sometimes it’s we who struggle more to understand what’s changing. Many vineyards have found a new balance, different from what we’ve known until now, and our job is to learn to read and interpret it, first in the vineyard and then in the cellar», explains Gianni Doglia.
With the exception of a few more delicate situations, such as young or particularly exposed vineyards, most plots have in fact shown a good capacity to respond to the vintage’s conditions. But vinegrowers also adapt and revisit their parameters and habits, with an increasingly attentive approach to observing the plant and the specific characteristics of each harvest.
«Every change inevitably brings a degree of uncertainty, but it’s also a stimulus. It forces us to observe more, to question what we used to take for granted and to look for new paths. It’s a different way of approaching our craft, one that requires even more attention and interpretive skill», continues Doglia.
In this context, Gianni places a greater importance on selection during harvest, for example, choosing the bunches by manual picking for vinification with precision, excluding those showing signs of dehydration, which can occur in a warm vintage like 2026, thus preserving the balance sought in the wines.
Particularly interesting are the early indications regarding Moscato, the signature grape variety of Gianni Doglia and the star of two of the winery’s most representative labels: Moscato d’Asti DOCG La Giostra and Canelli DOCG Casa di Bianca.
«The different exposures have given us complementary profiles: south-facing vineyards produced richer, more concentrated bunches, able to add greater fullness on the palate, while those facing north kept more pronounced acidity and greater freshness. The combination of these traits may give us Moscatos of great depth, both on the palate and on the nose», explains Doglia.
The 2026 vintage is marked by early ripening and by the need to interpret a new equilibrium in the vineyard, while preserving identity, freshness and balance in an increasingly changing climate.
«In vintages like this one, the winegrower’s work becomes even more important, and the final result will reflect the true value of those who knew how to interpret the vineyard with care and consistency. 2026 will certainly have a lot to tell», concludes Gianni Doglia.
Gianni Doglia
Located in Castagnole delle Lanze, nestled between the hills of Langhe and Monferrato, Azienda Vitivinicola Gianni Doglia stands out for its production of authentic wines that reflect and respect the land they come from.
The winery’s philosophy is rooted in the promotion of native grape varieties, with a strong focus on quality and environmental sustainability. The conscious decision to remain a family-run, small-scale operation allows for close attention to every stage of production – resulting in wines that express the true character of Monferrato, a unique territory to which the Doglia family has always been deeply connected.
At the heart of the winery is Gianni, supported by his sister Paola. Together, they proudly carry on the legacy of their father Bruno and grandfather Eugenio, combining traditional know-how with a modern, precision-based approach to viticulture. Gianni has especially dedicated himself to refining the vinification of Moscato, the noble aromatic grape that is the estate’s crown jewel. But the Doglia portfolio also includes important, characterful reds – first and foremost, their expressive Barbera.