Italian Wine Production Affected by High Temperatures and Drought

Abnormally high temperatures, together with a prolonged water shortage, can jeopardise the quantity and quality of the 2022 Italian wine grape harvest. Italy has registered severe climate conditions during the first half of the year characterised by multiple heat waves. An average of 45% lower annual rainfall has been recorded throughout the nation, which forced growers to intervene with emergency irrigation systems.

This year is particularly important because it will be the first with the national sustainability certification for wine production. In Sicily, in the province of Trapani, the campaign started 2 weeks earlier than ever before due to the high temperatures. Plants are disease-free and in excellent phytosanitary condition. The quality of wines should not be compromised. However, the quantity is expected to be down by 10% compared to September 2021. The next couple of weeks will be crucial. The evolution of temperatures concerns wine producers who hope for milder temperatures heading into the harvest season.