Harvest 2021: decreasing production but excellent quality

2021 vintage: grape harvesting has already started in various areas of Italy. The meteorological instability has certainly affected the yield of the vines due to the climatic upheaval that has also affected our country. In any case, according to experts, even if the production is quantitatively decreasing, in terms of quality the standards are very high.

2021 vintage

The harvest, according to the Coldiretti, it starts with good conditions in the southern vineyards where it is still very hot. While in the north the effects of spring frosts and hail that hit some areas returned. Coldiretti recalls that, last year, Veneto was the main producing region followed by Puglia, Emilia Romagna and Sicily. These regions together guarantee about 2/3 of the wine production Made in Italy. The wine sector is a strategic sector for the turnover and export of all the agri-food sector that starts from the beautiful country to conquer the world market.

Sales for private use have increased with the pandemic

Since the pandemic broke out due to anti-Covid restrictions, there has been a notable decrease in the purchase of wines in the restaurant business. In relation to the Ismea data, Coldiretti points out that, in this pandemic phase, a increase in domestic purchases of wine and sparkling wine by 8,1 per cent compared to the previous year.

2021 production figures

However, the unstable climate had an impact on this year's production which, according to experts from Agea (Agency for disbursements in agriculture), stands at 44,5 million hectoliters. A figure down by 9 percent compared to 49 million hectoliters in 2020. According to Assoenologi, Ismea and Unione Italiana Vini, Italian vineyards are also withstanding the impact of the pandemic emergency. In fact, at the appointment with the harvest they present themselves very well. Furthermore, as regards the demand on foreign markets, the signs are more than encouraging with a revenue of 2,7 billion euros and an increase in sales of 11 percent in the first 5 months of 2021.

Harvest also means 'open cellars'

This is the time when the smell of the must intoxicates lovers of good wine. And in the wineries belonging to the Wine Tourism Movement the companies open their doors to experts and enthusiasts of fruity glasses and lovers of bubbles. It is really the right moment to make suggestive excursions among the vineyards, participate in the grape harvest and also in its processing. And so, for some years now, the phenomenon called 'open cellars' has taken hold with which wineries organize special events such as art exhibitions, shows, concerts and more. 'Open cellars' is an open window on the world of wine production and is also a very important initiative to increase the so-called experiential tourism.