The grape harvest is in the air and, like every year, the Tuscan branch of Coldiretti - the main Italian and European association of farmers - announces its forecasts for 2023: this year has not been great due to the extreme weather conditions that are affecting our country. Severe climate changes that, even if they won’t influence the quality of the grapes, will lead to an estimated 20% production decrease. Meanwhile, the past years trend of early harvesting continues with Pinot Chardonnay sparkling grapes leading the way, followed by Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Trebbiano, Vermentino and finally Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
A huge burden for farmers this year was the downy mildew (Peronospora) which attacked Tuscan vineyards rather unevenly with great differences between countryside and coastal areas as well as organic and conventional crops; but also a general increase in prices related to bottles hollow glass (ut to 54% increase in the last two years) and fuel for tractors and farm vehicles.
Letizia Cesani, president of Tuscan Coldiretti, explains how a drop in production is mainly due to adverse climate conditions. Nonetheless, the farmers’ expertise and scientific research have played a decisive role. Despite all the challenges, the 2023 grape harvest is expected to produce aromatic, fine and elegant wines due to the mild nighttime temperatures of the past weeks. Above all, this year's harvest is still quite promising.