The members of the Soave consortium have decided to limit the harvest yields in 2021. In the DOC Soave, the quantity will drop from 15 to 13 tonnes per hectare (-13%) and in the Soave Classico area as well as the Colli Scaligeri, from 14 to 13 tonnes (-7%). Certified organic wineries and wineries that have waived the allowed surplus production of a maximum of 20 percent in the past two years are exempt from the regulation.
According to the consortium, the decision was made to maintain a balance in production volumes and to increase the value of bottled wine. "The decision was taken in consultation with all stakeholders. The current year is showing signs of market recovery, but there are also still many uncertainties. Therefore, caution is advised," commented Sandro Gini, the president of the consortium. Besides a correct positioning on the market, the decision also ensures an optimal quality of Soave in an already particularly good vintage, Gini said.
The consortium reports that the very cool and rainy spring slowed down the early phenological phases of the vines and provided water reserves. During the summer, hot periods alternated with rainfall, preventing drought altogether and keeping acidity high. The harvest is expected to begin in the last week of September. Soave is the first major white DOC to decide on yield restrictions for the coming harvest; the red DOCGs Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino already decided this in July. vc
