The 2024 harvest in Sicily is confirmed as one of the longest in Italy and this year it starts about ten days early due to the high temperatures that have accelerated the ripening of the grapes. “The extreme temperatures and drought are having a significant impact on the vineyards,” underlines the oenologist Giuseppe Figlioli, member of the Board of Directors of the Doc Sicilia. “Our vineyards are increasingly exposed to unpredictable weather phenomena. Despite the difficulties in having significant production yields, on the one hand the vineyards have perfectly preserved the quality, on the other the Sicilian producers demonstrate an extraordinary tenacity and determination in protecting their crops”. Here is the first assessment of the start of the grape harvest.
Excellent grape quality and no disease: the 2024 harvest begins in the Doc Sicilia
After last year’s problems related to downy mildew, this year’s heat and dry climate prevented the spread of fungal diseases throughout the season that led to the start of the 2024 harvest within the area protected by the Doc Sicilia.
“The quality of the grapes is excellent and the phytosanitary health is optimal, without particular risks of plant diseases”, highlights Giuseppe Figlioli.
During the winter and spring, Sicily recorded rainfall well below average. Subsequently, extreme weather events, such as the scorching heat and drought of the first half of the summer, caused the vineyards to sprout 15 days early.
Flowering, usually in May, was also brought forward to April. And so on, with an overall advance of between 10 and 12 days.
In many areas, the use of private lakes and water reserves mitigated the effects of the drought, ensuring high-quality production.
According to the forecasts by Assovini Sicilia, for the 2024 harvest an increase in grapes of around 10-15% is estimated compared to the previous year but a physiological decline compared to an optimal average.
