According to the Italian farmers’ association, Coldiretti, grape yields in 2017 could be around 10-15% lower than last year.
Due to the late spring, in regions such as Franciacorta, Chianti, and some parts of Tuscany, production may drop by 30% .
A dry and mild winter followed by late frosts and localised hailstorms are the cause of this low production. However, both rain and heat during the summer have prompted an early harvest. Sicily will start its harvest nearly three weeks earlier than usual.
Vice-president of the Franciacorta Consorzio, Silvano Brescianini, said, “We will have a more accurate idea of how this year shapes up once picking is over, and we know exactly how much we’ve harvested.”