THE 2017 HARVEST IN TUSCANY DROPPED BY 40% FOR A LOSS OF 480 MILLION EUROS. WINE PRODUCERS ARE ASKING THE REGION TO FREEZE PAYMENT ON TAXES, CONTRIBUTIONS AND MORTGAGES, REPORTS THE CONFAGRICOLTURA “BULLETIN”

The report on the 2017 harvest in Tuscany from Confagricoltura, the Italian farmers union, reads like a real “war bulletin”, and even though Tuscany is not the most productive Italian wine region, it is without a doubt, together with Piedmont, the one that represents its global image. The report talks of an overall 40% less in production, the worst result ever and heavy losses for all the main denominations. The worst hit was Morellino di Scansano, whose production dropped by more than half (56.48% less), but also Rosso di Montepulciano (-53.21% less), TGI Tuscany (48.46% less), Maremma (42.92% less), Carmignano Rosso (39.94% less), Chianti (39.91 less), Rosso di Montalcino (39.71 less), Brunello di Montalcino (34.86% less), Nobile di Montepulciano (31.64% less), Chianti Classico (27.62% less), Vernaccia di San Gimignano (25.69% less) and Bolgheri (25.24% less). The losses translate into 145 million bottles less compared to 2016, and an estimated economic loss of 480 million euros. Of course, there will be an increase in prices, which is an ever more critical factor on the market, estimated at 25-30% higher. This year’s harvest was the victim first of the frosts in April, then the drought in summer and also the damage caused by wild boar, etc.
“We have been through difficult years in the past but these three factors had never happened all together at the same time”, said Francesco Colpizzi, president of the Wine Federation of Confagricoltura Toscana, “the effect has been devastating for production in our region. Winemakers have had to bear unexpected costs. For instance, to alleviate the effects of drought, irrigation and special procedures have become necessary. Part of these expenses will be absorbed by the producers but part will cause repercussions on the market”.
Therefore, a meeting was held in November with the Tuscan Region to discuss the difficulties of the sector. “We appreciate the commitment of President Enrico Rossi and Councilor for Agriculture Marco Remaschi to urge the Government to declare the state of calamity”, continued Colpizzi. “Unfortunately the situation is dramatic, winemakers and farmers are not asking for contributions but only to be put in a position to recover the costs incurred. This could be possible only by freezing taxes and contributions in 2017, and bank loan installments”.
The producers are being slightly consoled by the “positive surprises quality-wise. The Sangiovese vine, which is the latest to be harvested and with which all the great Tuscan reds are produced, has benefited from the rains in early September, and produced a very high quality balanced, and aromatic wine”.