Earlier harvest possible thanks to the heat
In Sicily, an earlier signal to start the grape harvest has been given in recent years, but never as early as this year. The Settesoli wine cooperative from Menfi in western Sicily harvested its first Pinot Grigio grapes in 2024 twelve days earlier than usual. Last year, the grape harvest began on July 30. An early start this year is possible thanks to heat and drought.
read more
California wine. Why should a large part of local vineyards be liquidated?
Extreme drought in Italy
Extreme drought and early heat accelerated vine growth this year. In Sicily, an average of 500 to 600 liters of rain per square meter falls annually. Only 250 liters of rainfall have been recorded since last autumn. That's half the water normally available.
There were already high temperatures at the beginning, which, combined with drought, caused the vines to sprout about ten days earlier than usual. Hence the twelve-day advantage in the grape harvest. After the Pino Grigio grapes, the grapes for Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato and Chardonnay will also be ripe in the coming days. Red grapes will soon join them.
The drought situation in Sicily is serious. There was almost no rain in winter and spring, the effects of which can now be felt in summer. Some reservoirs in some areas have already dried up, such as the one in the capital Palermo. Water rationing is even being considered, according to the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
