The wine denominations involved in the European project take stock of the 2024 harvest
October 2024 – From the Greek island of Santorini, where the harvest has already been completed, to the hills of Soave and Lessini Durello, still in the midst of the harvest: the wine denominations participating in the European HEVA project assess the impact of the 2024 climate conditions on their vineyards and production.
Santorini
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“Adverse weather conditions in Santorini have made 2024 a unique year in terms of yield reduction — the lowest ever recorded on the island — and an earlier harvest, which began on July 30, about two weeks ahead of the average for the last ten years, and concluded on August 22,” says Nikos Varvarigos, winemaker at Santo Wines.
Among the main climatic challenges of the year for Santorini: a mild and dry winter, strong southern winds during flowering, a hailstorm in May that hit the best vineyards, and an exceptionally hot summer that accelerated grape ripening.
“Despite these difficulties,” Varvarigos continues, “the grapes maintained excellent quality, producing concentrated and aromatic musts with the typical acidity, minerality, and salinity that characterize Santorini PDO wines.”
Santorini’s vineyards, covering around 1,200 hectares, are planted 75% with Assyrtiko, a grape known for its resistance to drought conditions, downy mildew, and botrytis. This variety, suited to diverse soils and climates, retains high acidity during ripening. Established in 1971, the Santorini PDO includes both dry white wines aged in oak barrels and naturally sweet wines. Dry whites must be produced with at least 75% Assyrtiko, while the remainder can consist of Aidani and Athiri. Since 2002, the Santorini PDO has also included Vinsanto, a naturally sweet wine made with at least 51% Assyrtiko, with the remainder coming from Athiri, Aidani, and other local varieties.
Soave e Lessini Durello
While production in Santorini’s cellars is already underway, the denominations of Soave and Lessini Durello are still busy with the harvest.
“The 2024 season looks optimal both technologically and in terms of quality: good bud fertility and optimal berry enlargement, thanks to water availability, have allowed us to harvest healthy Garganega grapes, with good technological ripeness and a balance between sugars and acidity, ideal for vinification,” comments Cristian Ridolfi, President of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Soave e Recioto di Soave.
The outlook is also positive for the second Italian wine denomination represented by HEVA, Lessini Durello, a sparkling wine made entirely from Durella grapes.
“The season was marked by fluctuating weather conditions, but these did not significantly affect the vegetative cycle,” says Diletta Tonello, President of the Consorzio Lessini Durello. “The important day/night temperature variations during the summer months allowed us to obtain healthy Durella grapes with perfect technological ripeness, ideal for sparkling wine production.”
SantoWines, the Consorzio Tutela Vini Soave, and the Consorzio Lessini Durello are key players in the European HEVA – Heroes of Europe Volcanic Agriculture project, along with the Monte Veronese Cheese Consortium. The latter has already represented the project at the Salone del Gusto, held in Turin from September 26 to 30, and will participate in the Espò Berlin food and wine fair, to be held on November 2 and 3 in the German capital.
These events are just some of the autumn appointments where HEVA will take center stage, with the goal of promoting volcanic-origin products that stand out for their aromatic intensity and longevity, combining fruity and mineral notes: distinctive traits that have contributed to their recognition and success in the international market.
For more information, visit: www.volcanicagricultureofeurope.com
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