Tuscany
Regional consorzi are predicting a good year with yields reduced about 10% to 15%. (That’s only partly because of weather; Chianti is reducing production because its wine sales are down in the U.S. and Germany, its two biggest markets.)
Many areas suffered yet another cold, rainy spring, which waterlogged the soil and delayed the growing cycle by about two weeks.
Still, quality seems to be good in Tuscany. Stefano Cinelli Colombini at Fattoria dei Barbi in Montalcino says the rains at the beginning of September were the final refreshment the grapes needed. “They’re rich in flavor,” he wrote. “We’re expecting Brunellos with high alcohol, powerful wines that will have extreme aging potential.”
England
Last year Mother Nature smiled on England, a beneficiary of global warming. In 2018, some winemakers literally didn’t have enough fermentation tanks for the bumper crop of grapes. This year, there won’t be a grape bonanza, as 2019 appears more typical. All signs are positive, says the head winemaker at top sparkling-wine producer Nyetimber, which is launching this year in the U.S. Fingers are crossed. The winery started picking last week—amid the threat of rain.
Spain
At press time, the jury is still out on Spain’s 2019 harvest. Winter was mild and very dry, with more spring rain than usual, and despite the high temperatures elsewhere in Europe, the summer was not too hot, says Victor Urrutia, chief executive officer of CVNE in Rioja, which also owns vineyards in Ribera del Duero and Galicia.
He thinks this harvest will be very good to excellent but—as elsewhere in Europe—with much lower yields than expected.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.