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Vintage Reports |
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| November 24th 2006 |
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| Italy: Promising harvest |
by Michèle Shah
Until spring, the weather was generally colder than usual with some ice and snowfalls in north and central Italy. A hot June and July followed with almost no rain, while August was cooler and rainier than usual. Warm sunny days and cool nights fostered a good ripening season in September and October. |
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 While the early ripening grapes, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, were harvested between 14 August and 1 September, the greater part of the grapes were harvested between 15 September and 25 October, with some of the later ripening grapes, such as Nebbiolo, Aglianico and Nerello Mascalese being harvested in November.
In many regions from north to south, producers are claiming an excellent vintage. According to Roberto Felluga in Friuli, 2006 is „a five star vintage. The best in the last 10 years.“ Mattia Vezzola of Bellavista in Franciacorta is equally happy: „Excellent healthy grapes, ripe and ample aromas, which promise elegant wines“ he says.
According to the official Assoenologi report, Italy´s 2006 harvest will reach a total quantity of 49.2 million hectolitres. This is down 2.5% on the last harvest, but is in line with the average of the past three years. According to Giuseppe Martelli, managing Director of Assenologi, 2006 is one of the best vintages seen by centre and north Italy over the past five years, with very good to excellent results. The south should also be good thanks to regular and even climatic conditions.
„One of the best years in the last 20 years for all Chianti Classico,“ said Marco Pallanti of Castello di Ama. Both the classic areas of Montepulciano and Montalcino express great satisfaction with the quality of the Sangiovese, showing balance, structure and ripeness with good acidity levels. According to top Campania producer, Piero Mastroberardino, „whites are characterized by fresh aromas and good acidity, showing higher quality than the previous 2005 vintage.“ While reds are reported by Alessio Planeta to be well-extracted, in particular Syrah and Nero d´Avola.
Over the past 15 years, Italy´s total vineyard area has decreased by 178,000 hectares, equal to the total of Sicily and Piedmont combined. While Italy produces 17% of world´s wines, its national consumption continues to decrease, down to 49 litres per capita in 2006, against the 100 litres per capita registered in the 1970´s. For the first six months of this year Italy´s exports have grown by 12% in volume and 7% in value, while wholesale prices have fallen by an average of 5.5%, reflecting the pressure on the market. During the first six months 50% of Italy´s wine exports were to the US, which registered an increase of 16% in value and 10% in volume. |
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