According to the initial estimates, the production of Italian wines remains static this year with increase in production in western Italy being counterbalanced by an equivalent drop in the eastern regions like Marche, Abruzzo and Puglia, writes Michele Shah
According to Assoenologi -Associazione Enologi Enotecnici Italiani, Italy’s association of enologists, the harvest for 2009 is looking at a total quantity of 46.4 million hectoliters.
Italian wine output has slowed this year after farmers dug up vines, wooed by incentives under the European Union wine sector reform, farmers' research center ISMEA and wine industry body Unione Italiana Vini, UOV have said.
It shows an increase in production of between 5% and 10% in the regions situated along the western side of Italy, particularly in Piemonte, Campania and Sardegna .The eastern regions such as Marche, Abruzzo and Puglia however registered a decrease in quantity.
According to Coldiretti, Italy's largest farmers' association , the harvest is set to be of a very high quality, however; chiming with comments from various winemakers who praised this year's grapes for their high sugar content.
According to Assoenologi, the uneven climatic conditions seen throughout 2009 will play a significant role in the outcome of the harvest which will differ in quality from area to area. “To ensure good results on harvest 2009 what we need now are even sunny days to ripen the grape and cool nights to enhance the aromas,” commented Giuseppe Martelli, director of Assenologi.
2009 has seen a dramatic fall in the price of grapes. Prices have decreased between 10% and 50% from the average prices of 2008. The only variety that has not dropped in the price is Prosecco DOCG grapes from Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.
Production figures by Region for 2009 / Variation on 2008 production
| Veneto |
8.120.000 |
none |
| Emilia Romagna |
6.660.000 |
+5% |
| Puglia |
6.250.000 |
-10% |
| Sicilia |
6.180.000 |
none |
| Toscana |
2.940.000 |
+5% |
| Abruzzo |
2.750.000 |
-10% |
| Piemonte |
2.730.000 |
+10% |
| Campania |
1.950.000 |
+10% |
| Lombardia |
1.190.000 |
-5% |
| Lazio |
1.890.000 |
+5% |
| Trentino Alto Adige |
1.200.000 |
+5% |
| Friuli Venezia Giulia |
970.000 |
-5% |
| Marche |
830.000 |
-5% |
| Sardegna |
640.000 |
+10% |
Others** (Valle d’Aosta, Liguria, Umbria, Basilicata, Calabria) 2.000.000 +5%
Total 46.300.000 = **
Michèle Shah
Source: Assoenologi
www.assoenologi.it |
