PROSECCO: BOTTEGA, 'PROLONGED TORRID HEAT CAN PRODUCE CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS'

"If the temperatures were to remain those of these days for longer, catastrophic effects would be determined for the entire sector, as the quantity, quality and acidity of the grapes would be affected, with immediate consequences on all the main parameters that a good wine must have": word of Sandro Bottega, owner of the company of the same name in Bibano (Treviso) among the main producers of Italian wine and spirits and creator of the "Prosecco Bars" that are depopulating all over the world. "The climate alarm cannot be considered over - continues Bottega - thanks to the prolonged recovery of the rains. Quite the contrary. Extreme phenomena are intensifying, with the paradox of temperature variations of up to 20° between one day and the one following the same timetable. Strong winds damage plants and trees, and in viticulture the situation is even more difficult. The phenomenon that has hit Romagna is manifesting itself throughout Italy. In vineyards, the damage is often more serious than in orchards , because the vine is a much more delicate plant. In fact, the regrowth of the vine, once uprooted, is slower than that of a peach or other fruit tree. Furthermore, the occurrence of temperatures above 37° determines the slowdown or even the arrest of the vegetative activity of the plant.Fortunately, the Prosecco area was only marginally affected by these phenomena and, until last Saturday, enjoyed temperatures mitigated by the rains, especially at night. We therefore hope - continues Sandro Bottega - that this exceptional heat wave will remain limited to an acceptable range of a few days. If instead the temperatures were to remain longer than those of these days, catastrophic effects would be determined for the entire sector, as the quantity, quality and acidity of the grapes would be affected, with immediate consequences on all the main parameters that a good wine must have. Grappas could benefit from these high temperatures, as marcs with a higher alcohol content would be distilled. In any case, the climate alarm is by far the most serious emergency we are facing and which, as such, cannot and must not be underestimated, adopting anachronistic anti-scientific positions."