| Source | Latest linked headline | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Associated Press | EXTREME HEAT IS RESHAPING ITALY’S SPARKLING WINE INDUSTRY WITH EARLY HARVESTS AND NIGHTTIME PICKING | 1 hr ago |
Workers in Italy's Franciacorta wine-producing region have begun harvesting grapes a full 10 days earlier than anticipated due to scorching temperatures, according to Associated Press. The early harvest is a result of heat forcing the fruit to mature earlier than ever, with temperatures reaching highs between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius. This has led to predawn picking under floodlights to avoid damage to the grapes.
Berlucchi CEO Arturo Ziliani described the situation as 'delicate, frantic moments' where everything has to work perfectly, as even a few days can mean the difference between a good vintage and a bad one. The acceleration in ripening was unexpected, with Ziliani stating 'we did not expect such an early harvest or such an acceleration in ripening'. The early harvest is a result of climate change narrowing the window for harvesting wine grapes.
The early harvest in Italy's Franciacorta region is significant as it highlights the impact of climate change on the wine industry, with winemakers being forced to make quick decisions to adapt to the changing conditions.