ITALY HARVEST 2024 UPDATE

The first numbers have been revealed on the 2024 harvest in Italy by the three Italian official bodies; Assoenologi, Unione Italiana Vini (UIV) and Istituto di Servizi per il Mercato Agricolo Alimentare (ISMEA). Usually, these estimates are quite accurate despite the harvest being in full swing. Overall, the vintage is an improvement from last year’s very thin quantities, but still comes short of the average taken over the last five years. Quality, however, has been deemed very good.

Contributing factors such as hot temperatures, some drought-like conditions and bad weather at harvest time have led to the estimated 41 million h/L produced. Estimates show that, compared to 2023, the northern regions have maintained last year’s numbers with a very slight improvement (+0.6%). A notable increase has been recorded in central Italy (+29.1) and the south has also produced more (+15.5%). Whilst there has been an improvement of +7% generally on last year’s Peronospora-plagued vintage that produced between 38-41 million h/L, it must be highlighted that we are still a stretch away from the average taken between 2019-2023 of 47 million h/L.

The 2024 season was marked by several significant climatic patterns. Between October 2023 to February 2024 Italy saw above-average temperatures, up to 3°C higher than usual, creating mild conditions with no frost. In contrast, the Centre-North saw unusually high rainfall, especially in the Apennine regions of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and the Northeast, leading to a substantial replenishment of water resources whilst also raising concerns about managing plant diseases. Between June to August, long stretches of good weather were interrupted by brief storms in the Centre-North, sometimes bringing violent rain. However, the water reserves in the Centre-South regions were only partially restored. In mid-August, sporadic storms also occurred in the Centre-South but did not compensate for the area’s water shortage. It should also be noted that, localised weather extremes have a significant impact on local production numbers within a particular region.

Major growing regions

(% difference compared to 2023 harvest) [% difference compared to 2019-2023 5-year average]

Piedmont  (+10%)  [-1%]: Despite delays in ripening and disease pressure, particularly from downy mildew and powdery mildew, careful vineyard management has resulted in good quality grapes, particularly for Nebbiolo. Despite a more precocious start to the growing season due to a mild winter, cooler temperatures and high rainfall in spring has extended the growing season and regenerated the vineyards after two years of low rainfall. A more classic vintage is expected from Barolo.

Trentino-Alto Adige  (-12%)  [-17%]: Quantity is lower than 2023, especially for white grape varieties, due to fungal disease caused by high rainfall and cooler temperatures in the flowering period, causing poor fruit set. Despite weather challenges, improved conditions in the latter part of the season have balanced ripening. Quality is expected to be very good.

Veneto  (stable)  [-5%]: The 2024 viticultural season in Veneto faced weather challenges, with one of the rainiest springs in 30 years slowing vine growth and raising concerns about downy mildew. Early budbreak in March was followed by frosts in April, impacting lowland areas. Spring rains delayed growth, but recovery came by June. downy mildew affected some vineyards and a dry August improved grape ripeness and quality. Despite early difficulties, 2024 looks promising, especially for white wines and sparkling bases, with yields near the 5-year average. Some lowland areas and organic farms, saw significant losses.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia  (stable)  [-16%]: Quantity is slightly below average due to hail and prolonged rains. Good management of disease was key for a good harvest.

Tuscany  (+30%)  [+4%] : After a mild spring, high rainfall in May and June replenished aquifers. A hot and dry summer followed proving ideal for ripening and avoiding issues with fungal diseases. Volumes are significantly higher than last year, and higher than the average taken over the last 5 years. Quality is expected to be very good, which benefited from slow and gradual ripening conditions.

Umbria  (+30%)  [-3%]: Quantity is up thanks to favourable weather conditions, with no significant fungal attacks, and good water reserves.

Marche  (+25%)  [-19%] : Spring was unusually warm, with a brief cold snap in May. Rainfall was below average, and July was hot and dry, slowing vine growth and delaying flowering and veraison, though ripening was still earlier than usual. Dry conditions prevented fungal diseases and reduced berry size, except in Ancona, where rain was beneficial. Some sun damage occurred in drier areas.

Abruzzo  (+85%)  [-27%]: A significant recovery in quantity after 2023’s poor harvest. 2024’s issues mainly lay with drought-like conditions rather than wet weather and fungal diseases. A significant improvement though still below the longer-term average.

Campania  (+30%)  [-22%]: A mild winter with little rainfall had the region concerned about water stress in some areas. Some very recent rain events might have further improved yield and grape quality.

Puglia  (+18%)  [-21%]: The 2024 growing season in Puglia was favourable overall, with variations between northern Puglia and Salento. Northern Puglia experienced a drier and earlier season, while Salento saw slightly more favourable weather, including cooler temperatures in May. Generally speaking, both areas had hot and dry conditions throughout.

Basilicata  (+30%)  [-41%]: A mild winter and warmer-than-usual spring led to early budbreak and ripening. Yields are slightly up from last year, with healthy, high-quality grapes harvested. In the Vulture area, cooler September weather created ideal conditions for Aglianico.

Calabria  (+10%)  [-14%]: Like much of Southern Italy, Calabria faced a water crisis. A mild winter and early spring, combined with high temperatures and low rainfall, caused early budbreak and ripening. Irrigation helped mitigate drought damage, while the lack of fungal diseases ensured good grape quality and plant health.

Sicily  (-16%)  [-37%]: A 50% reduction in autumn-winter rainfall severely limited vineyard water reserves, adding to previous 2023 short vintage. High June temperatures accelerated vine phenological stages, advancing each phase by about two weeks and leading to an early harvest in late July.

Sardinia  (-20%)  [-23%]: The 2024 season featured a mild, dry winter with above-average temperatures, leading to early vine development and no frost issues. Mild weather in May and June, along with some rain, prevented fungal diseases. However, drought stressed vines, especially in the south without irrigation. High July temperatures accelerated ripening by 7–10 days. While yields are considerably lower, quality is expected to be excellent across all varieties.

(Source: Relazione Vendemmiale 2024, Assoenologi et al.)

Jack Bielak, 2024