November
26, 2008
2008 Harvest
Outlook: Piedmont
Wine Stats News
Nizza Monferrato (Asti), Piemonte
November 26th
Earlier today the town of Nizza Monferrato hosted the Anteprima
Vendemmia 2009, the much anticipated annual press conference
reporting on local harvest data and analysis for a preview
of what is to be expected in for the 2009 vintage of the country’s
top winemaking areas.
Presented by regional authorities, over all the 2008 harvest
outlook was rated very good to excellent. The season opened
proving to be very challenging for local growers, with unfavorable
weather conditions due to heavy rains and the ongoing threat
of parasites, but consistently improving, especially in September
and October. The quality of grapes for the various indigenous
varietals is considered good to excellent, the latter reserved
mostly for Nebbiolo (designated for Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero
and Gattinara wines), which this year was harvested late thanks
to perfect weather conditions for maturation and harvest—some
having described this as the harvest “of our grandfathers,”
as it was experienced some time ago.
In terms of quantity, this year’s regional wine production
has been estimated to 2,479,633 hectoliters, of which 2,122,340
assigned for the region’s DOCs and DOCGs—compared
to the 2,723,946 of 2007; while the national wine production
has been estimated to 44.5 million hectares (+5% from the
previous year).
Regional Statistics:
50,000 hectares of total cultivated surface of vineyards throughout
the region, of which 46,000 is designated for commercial use
20,000 active wineries
54 active cooperatives with 14,000 members
280 active sector firms
€307 million in wine production value, comprising 11%
of the regional agricultural production
60% of the wine produced in Piedmont is exported to foreign
markets |
