Heatwave accelerates Franciacorta harvest

Producers of Italian sparkling wine Franciacorta in Lombardy officially began their wine harvest 12 days earlier than usual on 3 August.

The ‘ Lucifer’ heatwave that has affected countries across Europe had accelerated the ripening of the grapes, leading to what is believed to be the earliest harvest in a decade.

Producers in the Franciacorta region typically begin picking after 15 August, and regional norms forbid harvesting before 1 August.

‘ It seems that recently we’ve been getting closer and closer to that date,’ explained Mauro Piliu, export director at Castello di Gussago, which began the harvest on 3 August. Piliu is expecting a drop in production of about 10% in comparison to 2016.

Harvest also began on 3 August in Spain’s Penedès region, centre of Cava production.