After a 2022 vintage characterized by high temperatures and dry periods, which caused water stress on the plants and negatively affected the quantities harvested, 2023 is characterized, on the contrary, by frequent and abundant rainfall, which starting from May have never been missing.

Unfortunately, the climatic conditions have manifested themselves in some cases in an extreme way, with strong winds and disastrous hailstorms , which have hit some production areas, compromising production both in terms of quantity and quality.

However, considering the new plants planted in recent years, the entry into production of new vineyards suggests an increase in the vineyard area at a regional level

If we add to this that, from the first forecast data collected through Avepa 's peripheral structures, there is a greater fertility of the buds compared to 2022 and a greater enlargement of the berries and bunches due to the abundant water supply, the expectations of the operators are for a slight increase in the quantity of grapes harvested , for a final balance which should therefore be positive.

However, there are strong concerns about the qualitative aspects of the grapes: the year was very difficult for the winemakers due to the strong development of fungal diseases (downy mildew and powdery mildew above all, in addition to Flavescence dorée) in many production areas of the Veneto region. The management of phytosanitary problems in the field worries the winemakers, who are facing every difficulty with the utmost professionalism in trying to preserve the health of the grapes, thanks also to the support of the phytosanitary services of the Veneto Region.

“The Regional Phytosanitary Service is very attentive to these problems that threaten our viticultural heritage and its monitoring and surveillance work is supported by a substantial research activity delegated to the Universities of Padua and Verona and to Crea di Conegliano thanks to the considerable financial commitment that the Region has taken on for the three-year period 2022-2024 - says Councilor Federico Caner . The seasonal weather trend, anomalous and more turbulent than usual, is complicating the outcome of the wine campaign. And the Flavescence dorée emergency still impacts very negatively on the regional territory and on some prestigious districts in particular, but there are signs of improvement, thanks to the mandatory control measures ordered and to the dedication of the vast majority of winemakers who apply them with attention and inevitable sacrifice" .

For this reason, the data that will be presented during the focus on harvest forecasts , now in its 49th edition, is eagerly awaited, the second meeting of the wine triptych promoted by the Veneto Region and Veneto Agriculture just in proximity to the start of the collection operations, and which sees the involvement of AVEPA, ARPAV, CREA-VE, UVIVE, the Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the Autonomous Provinces of Bolzano and Trento .

The event will be held on Friday 18 August at 10, online on the Zoom platform (registration here: https://2Trittico-Previsionivendemmiali2023.eventbrite.it) and the program includes the presentation of forecast data for the next harvest in the Veneto region , in the remaining North East , in the main Italian wine regions ( Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily ) and abroad.