The Sicilian medium-late organic grape campaign is reaching its peak. These prestigious varieties come from the Sicilian hilly hinterland, where the fruits have the possibility of soaking up the sun throughout a summer season characterized by hot yet breezy days. However, the best soil and weather conditions are not always guarantee of a perfect season. This year, for example, May and June have been exceptionally rainy, causing quite a few problems for all production areas. Organic and biodynamic companies such as Golden Grapes from Naro (AG) have had to deal with downy mildew due to the abundant rain and high humidity level.
Dario Bruculeri. Apulia grapes
Dario Brucculeri, agronomist and owner of the above-mentioned company, reports that "the damage caused by downy mildew led to quite a difficult situation due to which we lost as much as 30-40% of the production in some vineyards, especially the less ventilated ones where humidity stagnates."
Organic Red Globe bio, bagged. (Click here for the full photo album)
"We started harvesting late, around the first week of August with the Pink Muskat and Luisa varieties. August was nonetheless lively when it comes to exchanged volumes: the organic market is generally very slow as people are on holiday, but things were better this year."
In the photo, example of stenospermocarpy in grapes, with seeds that remain grassy and not completely formed
German grapes arrives on the market
"We have had the same destination markets for years. We work with organic wholesalers in Germany, France and the Netherlands. This year, on top of the competing grapes from Egypt, Greek, Spanish and French, we were surprised to see grapes from Germany as well. Although they represent just a small market share, it is an indication of how the production is expanding also thanks to new rootstocks and new varieties. As for prices, we have noticed a 10% increase compared to last year, with production prices hovering between €1.30 and €2.50/kg. Quotations are lower for seeded grapes. Quality is looking good for the rest of the season and, if the weather remains favorable, we are expecting a satisfactory season."
For further information:
Contacts:
Golden Grapes
92028 Castrofilippo (AG) - Italy
+39 348 226 8105
[email protected]
www.goldengrapes.it