Harvest Report 2007 : Italy

As we reported in the French Harvest Report below, 2007 will be remembered as having one of the earliest and leanest grape harvests in the past 30 years. The Union of Italian Winemakers said that grape picking began some 15-20 days ahead of normal due to a massive heat wave and drought this summer. But take heart wine drinkers, the reduce yields and lack of rain can mean superior quality wine with higher than average alcohol.

Local sources have noted that Nothern and Southern Italy have had dramatically different experiences. In the north the yield is essentially normal. The best qualtiy appears to be in Northeast in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Tuscany appears to be good not great, but growers are not even that optimistic in Piedmont, makers of Italy's premier wines. A hail storm on May 29 ravaged the vineyards in the heart of the Barolo producing region. They are keeping their fingers crossed and are anticipating low alcohol and high acidity in the Nebbiolo grapes.

The South has fared significantly worse. The makers of some of Italy's best bargain wines have had a horrific summer. The drought of 2007 has left the vines withered and leafless. Enologist Riccardo Cotarella said that it looks more like January than August in some vineyards. So for them it is a waiting game. Overall not very good news coming out of Italy - now it is up to the artistry of the winemaker.