Italy’s Wine Harvests Move Earlier

Extreme heat and below-average rainfall pushed Berlucchi and other producers in northern Italy to begin grape harvesting substantially earlier than in past decades.

Rapid sugar increases, declining acidity, crop damage, and unsafe midday temperatures are narrowing production windows and requiring earlier monitoring, overnight work, rapid processing, and cooling measures. Similar shifts are being reported in other Italian and European wine regions, indicating growing pressure on traditional harvest timing and sparkling-wine quality.