Le Manzane keeps the course and looks to the future after Covid data and reflections

In recent weeks, fears about the consequences of Covid-19 have also returned to the wine market, but the Le Manzane winery (TV) manages to keep the course, not without some difficulties. This is due to the great appeal enjoyed by prosecco all over the world, but not only. In this climate of uncertainty, the real strength of the company, among the most dynamic and interesting in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene wine scene, are values such as respect for the territory, sustainability in the vineyard and in the cellar and initiatives in favor of the community. such as solidarity harvests, together with the ability to maintain contacts and interact with customers, but also with collaborators, distributors and suppliers. Ernesto Balbinot, owner of the Le Manzane Agricultural Company, looks to the future with confidence and draws up an initial assessment of the year that is about to end.

"From an economic point of view - explains Balbinot - the Le Manzane winery started 2020 recording a positive trend with sales in percentages higher than the previous years of 10%, but then due to the closures the positive margins were canceled and we found ourselves at the end of May with significant decreases in turnover close to 30%; the negative margin, then, was reduced by more than half and we are confident to close the year with a negative figure of around 7-8%. Fortunately, over the years we have managed to build a network of valid collaborators who in turn have serious customers: a combination that made us work well in the periods following the spring and continues to make us work today ».

Encouraging news comes from the most precious treasure of the company, the vineyard, which, in a 2020 harvest that is tiring for compliance with anti-Covid regulations, such as harvesting in alternate rows, keeping distances, masks and vigilance, at the end it ended very well for the good quality of the grapes brought to the cellar. "In fact - declares Balbinot - in a hot and particularly rainy year, our vineyards, located mostly in hills with steep slopes, disadvantaged stagnation of water and a particular exposure to the winds kept the vines and grapes dry, allowing them to ripen well. ; moreover, important temperature variations have favored an aromatic charge that we will find on the wines in the near future making once again the microclimates of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene territory important for the most loved sparkling wine in the world ».

The postponement of some sector fairs such as the Merano WineFestival is worrying for "the lack of time for discussion and meeting with customers". "I also receive news - continues Balbinot - of restrictions also for the next edition of ProWein in Germany which should take place in March 2021, restrictions on the contingent number of people at the stands, both operators and visitors, who do not really cheer up. spirits. In my opinion, fairs are moments of work, but also fun moments. If there is no conviviality and serenity, it is better not to do them ».

Think positive and… full speed ahead in the vineyard and in the cellar. «This is a difficult year, Covid-19 has certainly penalized the markets and people - admits Balbinot - and the bill paid was very high. We as the Le Manzane winery have always tried to convey optimism, also because it is in our DNA, in fact the company claim is “To be happy”. This year, however, we organized the solidarity harvest (in favor of the Covid departments of the Marca Trevigiana ed.), Even if in a reduced regime, but the event was made precisely to give a strong signal that we are here, that we will produce Prosecco anyway. Beneficial superior able to surely return a little smile to someone. Let's not forget that bubbles are synonymous with party, smile and lightheartedness, what we need most today ».

Despite the delicate period the company does not stop and has some innovations in the pipeline. "We are making sparkling wine Prosecco Doc Rosé which will be distributed starting from January 2021. We joined what many call" a fashion ", but we wanted to add this reference to make our collaborators understand that we are attentive and sensitive to what is happening. creating commercial conditions suited to the needs of the market. Furthermore, a few months ago tonneaux appeared in the cellar where a native white wine is resting and refining, but this novelty will be a reason for future reflections ».

In conclusion. «We are confident and optimistic about how the market will evolve in the coming months - says Balbinot - and we are confident in the intelligence of the human being who will make us come out of the current situation with our heads held high. We have to work as a team with our collaborators and our customers, stimulating the synergy necessary to create the conditions to overcome all difficulties; this proximity to the sales force and customers and human relationships will be, in this period, the winning weapon to get out of a market situation, allow me to say at the moment a bit battered ».