Climate change is increasingly influencing the quality of harvests, distinguishing those who have managed it best, both in the hills and in the plains of Valpolicella. This is underlined by Daniele Accordini, general manager and chief winemaker of Cantina Valpolicella Negrar, who states:
“Today, in the vineyard, there is no longer room for improvisation. Those who do not work with professionalism risk obtaining mediocre or negative results. Climate change introduces challenges that require in-depth knowledge of the vineyard, so as to prevent any problems in the different stages of vine growth. This year too, as in 2023, the harvest will be positive for those who have worked with competence.”
Accordini adds: “Every winemaker knows that rain can be both beneficial and harmful. In June we were worried about the excess of spring rains that had favored fungal diseases, but the recent abundant rains have helped the vineyards to overcome the water stress of July, allowing the grapes on the hills to ripen perfectly. However, those who have managed the vineyard poorly will have to be very careful in selecting the grapes for Amarone. The weight of the bunches is low, the alcohol content is high as in recent warm years, but the current cool nights favor the aroma and color of the wine, improving the quality.”
Cantina Valpolicella Negrar: 2024 vintage to be interpreted, Valpolicella returns to being the trendiest wine of the Denomination
In the current context, where consumer tastes, especially young people, are moving towards lighter, fresher wines with a moderate alcohol content, Valpolicella Classico responds perfectly to these requests.
The Winery is trying to better balance the production of Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone to increase its competitiveness on the market. “In addition to perfecting the management of the grapes with optimal use of the pergola, it is important to intercept the tastes of young people without losing sight of our focus on Amarone, which remains our main wine,” says President Giampaolo Brunelli.
In this context, the Winery wants to further enhance Valpolicella, a historic wine that has never been overshadowed by Ripasso, and which today has returned to being one of the most popular. “To make it easier for consumers looking for a wine for everyday consumption to choose, we will give more space to Valpolicella Classico,” concludes Brunelli.
