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“Tareni” Grillo Sicilia DOC 2023
Tareni Grillo is fragrant and floral, and the wine shows great purity and freshness throughout. Aromas of peach blossom, guava and honeysuckle come through, and there are soft notes of jasmine, orange blossom and candied Sicilian fruit. Its pretty minerality underlines the delightful contrasts between sweet and dry, which, together with its great value, offer carefree drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Grillo
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 4 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: Diam
- Total extract: 22,95 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,41 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,33 g/l
- Sulfite: 77 mg/l
- pH value: 3,39
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19270623 · 0,75 l · 9,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Villa Bianchi” Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico DOC 2023
The wine starts with a whisper of fragrant herbs, salted lemons and crushed mussels, inviting you to be patient and watch the wine develop. The palate is flattering with a medium body, plenty of texture gives the wine weight but is enhanced by the crisp acidity and citrus flavours that play around the palate. The finish is fragrant with orange blossom and salty minerality. Has what it takes to be a bestseller! SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Verdicchio
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: Nomacorc
- Food recommendations
light antipasti and salads - Total extract: 22,65 g/l
- Total acidity: 4,85 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 89 mg/l
- pH value: 3,52
- Allergens
contains sulphites - Nutritional Information per 100 ml
- Energy in kcal: 79 kcal
- Energy in kJ: 330 kJ
stored air-conditioned11020423 · 0,75 l · 9,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Bardolino DOC 2023
This Bardolino certainly cannot be denied its own personality. It caresses the nose with floral notes. The fruity flavour is fresh and palatable with a hint of Mediterranean scrub. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Varieties: 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: twist lock
- Total extract: 29,85 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,35 g/l
- Residual sugar: 3,95 g/l
- Sulfite: 62 mg/l
- pH value: 3,42
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03072423 · 0,75 l · 9,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Tareni” Chardonnay Terre Siciliane IGT 2023
Tareni Chardonnay glows straw yellow with emerald green reflections. On the nose, delicate notes of bergamot, green apple, white flowers and some cedar wood. Very full and juicy on the palate, with a delicate melt and restrained acidity. As the wine progresses, it becomes very balanced and round. For us, it is the ideal companion for Mediterranean fish and pasta dishes. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 2 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: Diam
- Total extract: 23,25 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,55 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,75 g/l
- Sulfite: 92 mg/l
- pH value: 3,48
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19270923 · 0,75 l · 9,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Bianco Falerio DOC 2023 (BIO)
Straw yellow, delicate copper-coloured reflections. Attractive bouquet of citrus fruits, melon, peach, pear and oranges with beautiful depth and a hint of minerality. Fresh and delicious on the palate. Good length and even better value. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: Trebbiano, Passerina, Pecorino, Chardonnay and Fiano
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: concrete
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 22,15 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,85 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,36 g/l
- Sulfite: 84 mg/l
- pH value: 3,33
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑009
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned11040123 · 0,75 l · 9,20 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Cantalupi” Chardonnay del Salento IGT 2023
Light green-yellow in colour, with a fine aroma of yellow apple and delicate blossom honey, very inviting. Elegant and balanced on the palate with fresh white fruit, well-integrated acidity and light mineral nuances. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: cement tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: Diam
- Food recommendations
pasta with light cream sauce - Total extract: 24,40 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,00 g/l
- Residual sugar: 3,40 g/l
- Sulfite: 109 mg/l
- pH value: 3,33
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned15090423 · 0,75 l · 9,87 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Bocciolo” Lambrusco Grasparossa Frizzante Colline di Scandiano e Canossa DOC 2023 dolce
The exemplary Lambrusco from the Bocciolo vineyard convinces with its above-average quality at an extremely attractive price: intense ruby red and not too sweet, yet always fresh and fruity, it is a lot of fun. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Lambrusco Grasparossa
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 7,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 26,00 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,50 g/l
- Residual sugar: 67,00 g/l
- Sulfite: 130 mg/l
- pH value: 3,30
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned07032323 · 0,75 l · 10,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Chiaretto Bardolino DOC 2023
The extremely flavoursome rosé classic from Lake Garda: Chiaretto Bardolino is floral, sweet and nuanced in the glass, with notes of wild strawberries and candied citrus fruits. It is soft and supple, with a brilliant acidity that maintains balance and crisp red fruits that resonate beneath the rosy inner flowers. Lasts an impressively long time and remains completely refreshing. A subtle hint of minerality remains. Excellent as an aperitif and with light dishes as well as a summery accompaniment in the afternoon. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Varieties: 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: twist lock
- Total extract: 25,60 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,10 g/l
- Residual sugar: 4,70 g/l
- Sulfite: 83 mg/l
- pH value: 3,21
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03072923 · 0,75 l · 10,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Costalupo” Bianco Controguerra DOC 2023
Fresh cuvée made predominantly from Trebbiano, typical of Abruzzo. Very harmonious and beautifully fruity in aroma and flavour. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Varieties: 70% Trebbiano, 15% Chardonnay, 15% Passerina
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 6 months in stainless steel tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
starters - Total extract: 21,85 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,85 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 82 mg/l
- pH value: 3,35
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned12020223 · 0,75 l · 10,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Campirosa” Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2023
Campirosa Cerasuolo only gradually unfolds its fresh strawberry and cherry flavours, which are adorned with sweet flowers. The palate is silky-soft and very convincing with its ripe red fruits and juicy acidity. A hint of liquorice, exotic spices and nuanced tannins emerge on the finish and seem to linger for almost a minute. Campirosa is already a charming favourite when young, but can also mature for another year in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Montepulciano
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 23,45 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,98 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,73 g/l
- Sulfite: 82 mg/l
- pH value: 3,43
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned12022823 · 0,75 l · 10,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Serra del Conte” Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico DOC 2023
Very classic Serra del Conte: straw-yellow colour with greenish reflections, fresh-fruity aroma, delicate and spicy taste with a beautiful, balanced structure. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Verdicchio
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: screw cap
- Total extract: 21,25 g/l
- Total acidity: 4,95 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,45 g/l
- Sulfite: 92 mg/l
- pH value: 3,50
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned11010523 · 0,75 l · 10,53 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Terre al Monte” Sauvignon Bianco Castel del Monte DOC 2023
The very varietal Sauvignon Terre al Monte is straw yellow in colour. The bouquet has hints of plums, green apple and passion fruit. Fresh and savoury on the palate with beautiful fruit and good balance. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 3 to 4 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: Diam
- Total extract: 22,66 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,97 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,95 g/l
- Sulfite: 75 mg/l
- pH value: 3,33
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned15110123 · 0,75 l · 11,07 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Insolia” Bianco Terre Siciliane IGT 2023
Light-coloured, brilliant wine with golden reflections. The spicy aroma is characterised by floral notes, summer fruits, scree, pepper and oregano, which is wonderfully balanced by undertones of narcissus and citrus fruits. Rich and citrus-fresh on the palate with a flavoursome, slightly salty finish. Very cleanly made! SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Inzolia
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: glass closure
- Total extract: 22,05 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,73 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,78 g/l
- Sulfite: 79 mg/l
- pH value: 3,44
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19080223 · 0,75 l · 11,07 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Preludio N°1” Chardonnay Castel del Monte DOC 2023
Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Wonderfully supple Chardonnay with floral and nectarine-scented fruit, hints of apricot and peach on the palate. Straightforward, very delicate and balanced, with the right amount of crisp acidity on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 3 to 4 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: Diam
- Food recommendations
aperitif, fish dishes, seafood - Total extract: 22,60 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,75 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,45 g/l
- Sulfite: 82 mg/l
- pH value: 3,30
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned15110223 · 0,75 l · 11,07 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Tyrsos” Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2023
A traditional Vermentino di Sardegna: Fresh, light yellow, with pleasant aromatics, good fruit, tasty spiciness and fine lemon notes. A lively wine with a lot of draught and fresh drinking flow! SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Vermentino
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 21,35 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,45 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,18 g/l
- Sulfite: 84 mg/l
- pH value: 3,42
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned20040223 · 0,75 l · 11,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Pecorino Falerio DOC 2023 (BIO)
Straw yellow, smells pleasantly vinous with beautiful fruit aromas and memories of a summer meadow. Delicate and full-bodied on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Pecorino
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: concrete
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 22,15 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,90 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,35 g/l
- Sulfite: 92 mg/l
- pH value: 3,37
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑009
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned11040423 · 0,75 l · 11,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Carta d’Oro” Catarratto Terre Siciliane IGP 2023 (BIO)
Text will follow shortly. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Catarratto
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 4 months stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 22,45 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,93 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,18 g/l
- Sulfite: 79 mg/l
- pH value: 3,45
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑007
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19260623 · 0,75 l · 11,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Riff” Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC 2023 (BIO)
The RIFF project is a cooperation between Alois Lageder and local winegrowers in the Veneto region, where the grapes also thrive in selected vineyards. Since the 2018 vintage, the popular RIFF Pinot Grigio delle Venezie is not only certified organic, but has also been given a new look by Austrian artist Nanna Prieler. On the label, segments of stylised ammonites tell the story of the formation of the mountain landscape on which the vines for the Pinot Grigio RIFF now stand: From the ocean with its coral reefs to the unique terroir in which many fossils of former ocean dwellers can still be discovered today.
Bright light yellow with greenish shimmer. The aroma is finely fruity, floral-mineral with delicate notes of tropical fruits. On the palate, RIFF Pinot Gris is precise, lively and fresh, with a medium body and a harmonious finish. A perfect companion to light Mediterranean dishes or simply solo on the balcony or terrace. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 4 months stainless steel tank on the fine yeast
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: twist lock
- Food recommendations
starters, white meats, poultry, pasta - Total extract: 19,55 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,25 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 119 mg/l
- pH value: 3,44
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑015
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned01061723 · 0,75 l · 11,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Cuvée XX” Soave Classico DOC 2023
The grapes for this wonderful Soave Classico come from the cru sites in front of the Castello di Soave and on the Costeggiola hill, a very hilly terrain with a silty-sandy texture, rich in active limestone and volcanic rock. Floral and delicate notes of fresh yellow fruit. Dry on the palate, beautifully expressive and very precise with a lively freshness. A very appealing everyday wine with a lovely drinkability. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Varieties: 70% Garganega, 25% Chardonnay, 5% Trebbiano
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 4 months cement tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
shellfish, sushi, vegetable risotto - Total extract: 22,15 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,95 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,80 g/l
- Sulfite: 72 mg/l
- pH value: 3,32
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned03240123 · 0,75 l · 11,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Serra Lori” Rosato Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2023
Rosato Serralori from the Argiolas family is a cuvée of Cannonau, Monica and Carignano. It has a pleasant aroma of exotic fruits and a harmonious, fresh, round and full-bodied flavour. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Varieties: 50% Cannonau, 20% Monica, 15% Carignano, 15% Bovale
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: Diam
- Total extract: 22,80 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,00 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,13 g/l
- Sulfite: 130 mg/l
- pH value: 3,26
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned20033123 · 0,75 l · 11,47 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Pecorino Bianco Controguerra DOC 2023
Straw yellow in colour, with a fine, rich aroma of ripe fruit and white flowers, reminiscent of meadow herbs and citrus fruits. Slightly spicy flavour, full-bodied and beautifully persistent. Good balance between structure and softness. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Pecorino
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2027+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
vitello tonnato, caprese, antipasti - Total extract: 23,24 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,03 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,91 g/l
- Sulfite: 84 mg/l
- pH value: 3,38
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned12020123 · 0,75 l · 11,60 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Passerina Controguerra DOC 2023
Passerina is an autochthonous grape variety, particularly widespread in Abruzzo and Marche, which has awoken from its slumber in recent years. Pale yellow in colour, with a fresh citrus bouquet with exotic notes and a lovely acidity, it is always a reliable accompaniment to Mediterranean cuisine and is also a delight to drink on its own. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Passerina
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2027
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
smoked/grilled fish - Total extract: 21,55 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,99 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 90 mg/l
- pH value: 3,35
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned12020323 · 0,75 l · 11,60 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Tralcetto Il Bianco di Ciccio” Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2023
Medium green-yellow in colour, inviting fruit aroma, fine minerality. Juicy tropical fruit notes on the palate, very well balanced, a fruity food companion with an excellent value. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Trebbiano
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 23,85 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,10 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,85 g/l
- Sulfite: 83 mg/l
- pH value: 3,20
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned12050323 · 0,75 l · 11,87 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Tralcetto” Pinot Grigio Terre di Chieti IGT 2023
Delicate yellow colour with greenish reflections. Medium fruity, fresh and fragrant on the nose. Serious on the palate, then prancing and with good structure and a crisp acid wire, medium length. For us, it is one of the most harmonious summer wines of the year. SUPERIORE.DE
"This has a floral character with notes of pears and lemons on the nose. Medium-bodied, polished and crunchy, with a sleek, slightly fluid aftertaste." James Suckling
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 8‑10 °C
- Storage potential: 2026+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 23,55 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,78 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,25 g/l
- Sulfite: 79 mg/l
- pH value: 3,30
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned12050523 · 0,75 l · 11,87 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
The year 2023 was characterised by the effects of climate change. More frequent rainfall and, in some cases, intense hailstorms led to major harvest losses in some regions of Italy. Overall, this year's harvest volume is just under 40 million hectolitres, around 20 per cent less than last year. The country's southern wine-growing regions recorded particularly sharp declines. But there is also good news: Many of the white wine grapes have a good acidity and an interesting aroma, so many winegrowers are expecting lower quantities and rising prices, but consistently high, if not better, quality.
Falling harvest volumes in almost all regions
In the high-yielding north, the grape harvest went largely smoothly, while in the centre and especially in the south of the country, downy mildew caused significant and sometimes dramatic losses. The decline in production affected almost all Italian wine-growing regions, but above all the most important and largest producing regions. Ten per cent less was harvested in Veneto and 17 per cent less in Piedmont. Tuscany (-30 per cent), Puglia (-30 per cent), Abruzzo (-60 per cent) and Sicily (-45 per cent) also recorded significant losses. According to the Assoenologi, Ismea and UIV associations, the further decline is mainly due to the high temperatures in September, which persisted throughout the month. The heat and lack of rain had a positive effect on the quality of the grapes, but also led to a significantly lower harvest volume. Riccardo Cotarella, President of Assoenologi, says: "It is precisely in such extreme vintages that we have to use all our technical and scientific knowledge to minimise the damage caused by an increasingly crazy climate."
Detailed view of the regions
The harvest of the grapes for the 2023 vintage marks the end of a winegrowing year for South Tyrol's winegrowers that has demanded everything from them in the vineyard: with an initially extremely dry, then cool and rainy spring, a wet summer with three heatwaves and now a golden autumn. This also allows the later red wine varieties to ripen well. And the experts are expecting fresh, fruity, lean wines from the whites. The wet weather in particular has given South Tyrolean winegrowers an enormous amount of extra work in the vineyards. "The amount of rain was not exceptional, but it was always wet," says Barbara Raifer, Head of the Viticulture Department at the Laimburg Research Centre, referring to the high fungal pressure that came with it. "Attention was never allowed to slacken, you had to stay behind to prevent damage," explains Markus Prackwieser from Gump Hof in Völs. "Hand-picking makes it possible to select very carefully in South Tyrol and only bring excellent harvestinto the cellar. We expect a cool, fresh and juicy vintage, i.e. light, Alpine wines, which is what the market expects from South Tyrol."
Charrière from Les Crestes in the Aosta Valley is generally very satisfied: "We are expecting a comparable quantity of grapes to the last harvest. We have started harvesting healthy grapes of excellent quality, which are the result of a more even season with average rainfall. We had two heat peaks, a few days at the end of July and after mid-August, followed by days with below-average temperatures, these heat peaks are now the reality and the issue of water is also becoming more and more evident for us."
In Lombardy, which had suffered particularly badly from the drought in 2022, growth of 15 per cent ensured satisfaction. In most areas, grapes ripened ten to twelve days later than in the previous year. The cold, rainy May caused problems with peronospora, especially in many organically farmed vineyards. In Oltrepò Pavese, on the other hand, there was less rainfall than in the rest of the region and there were more problems with powdery mildew (Oidium) than with Peronospora. The situation on Lake Garda was unpleasant, with hailstorms at various stages of vegetation causing significant harvest losses, especially in the Lugana DOC, which is likely to lead to further price increases for the Germans' favourite white wine.
"In Emilia Romagna, the year 2023 will go down in history as a black year. After an extremely dry winter, people were still extremely concerned about the low level of the Po and the resulting scarcity of water reserves, but the torrential rainfall on 3, 17 and 18 May caused catastrophic flooding in the plain and numerous landslides in the hills. In some areas, as much rain fell in May as normally falls in an entire year, 500 per cent more than the May average of the past twenty years. The structural, economic damage is enormous, even if the total harvest in the region is only five per cent lower than in the previous year.
In Friuli, on the other hand, the month of July was problematic, with two periods of bad weather causing widespread hail damage, which is reflected in the harvest forecasts with a ten per cent loss in production." Merum
Although around 17% fewer grapes were harvested on average in Piedmont, the quality will probably be above average. Pio Cesare is therefore very satisfied: "After the drought in the previous year, the abundant rainfall in spring 2023 restored the moisture and structure of the soil in our vineyards, which were very well prepared by our team to absorb the rainfall. Even after a mild summer with occasional temperature peaks, our plants were able to complete their vegetative cycle without stress, with excellent results in terms of both quantity and quality."
"In Tuscany, the estimates for the individual origins vary widely. Brunello di Montalcino expects a small decline of five per cent, Chianti Classico will probably lose between 10 and 15 per cent and Bolgheri 20 per cent. "In Tuscany, rainfall and low temperatures in spring have led to increased irrigation, which has had a negative impact on yields (up to -20 per cent). In addition, an increase in the vine disease Esca and the American vine borer, which is responsible for the transmission of golden yellowing, are also reported here.
In Umbria, late frosts in April and downy mildew after the rainy May and June caused problems for Sagrantino in particular, reducing the harvest forecast for the region by 20 per cent compared to 2022. The white grape varieties are expected to have good acidity levels and rich flavours thanks to high temperature fluctuations.
In the Marche region, the amount of precipitation was already well above the historical average in winter, and this continued in May, which was also rainy here. With a regional average of 192 millimetres, the rainfall was the heaviest since 1961, and the subsequent peronospora infestation across the entire region resulted in production losses of 25 per cent, with the Montepulciano, Passerina and Chardonnay varieties particularly affected.
In Lazio, too, the rainfall in May and June compromised the health of the vines due to peronospora, resulting in a 20 per cent drop in production compared to the previous year.
The regions of the south were firmly in the grip of peronospora in 2023 and suffered considerable crop losses in some cases. Abruzzo was hit particularly hard. It rained almost continuously in April, May and June. Two out of three days in spring were rainy, and temperatures were well below average until the end of June. Montepulciano was particularly affected by the high infection pressure from Peronospora, less so the white varieties. The official harvest forecast from Assoenologi speaks of a 40 per cent drop in production, while a press release from the consortium and Coldiretti published shortly before the editorial deadline even predicts a 70 per cent drop.
The picture is almost identical in the small neighbouring region of Molise, where the lower, coastal areas in particular were hit by peronospora attacks and 45% of the harvest was lost. The 2023 wine year was not a good one for the Campania region either. It rained almost continuously from the beginning of May to mid-June, with 39 out of 45 days being rainy days, the wettest spring in 15 years. The harvest was 30 per cent lower due to downy mildew.
In Apulia, four times as much rain fell in May and June as in the same period last year. Both powdery and downy mildew compromised the health of the vines and caused harvest losses of 25 per cent.
In Basilicata, there were crop losses, especially on Monte Vulture. In anticipation of the summer drought, it is customary here to work the soil deeply in spring in order to facilitate the absorption and storage of water. However, this made it difficult to access the vineyards, which were soaked and muddy from all the rain, and thus to take effective measures against peronospora, resulting in a 30 per cent loss.
2023 was also one of the most difficult years in a long time for Sicily's winegrowers. More than 150 millimetres of rainfall and gale-force winds during the vine blossom affected the indigenous varieties in particular. There was also isolated damage caused by the record heat in July with temperatures reaching 42 degrees.
Sardinia was affected by heavy rainfall from mid-May and temperatures were well below average. As a result, downy mildew was also rampant there. The heat in July, on the other hand, caused leaf drop and sunburn on the grapes, especially in unirrigated vineyards. However, at 20 per cent, the harvest losses were lower than in the southern Italian mainland regions.
Finally, it should be emphasised once again that the harvest forecasts are primarily to be understood as economic data and do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about wine quality. The loss of harvest volume says nothing about what kind of wine a winegrower makes from the remaining, healthy grapes. Some winemakers are at their best under difficult conditions." Merum
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