However, despite the difficulties, the qualitative balance is positive .
Climate trend and phenological development
The 2024 vintage was marked by significant climatic variations that affected the life cycle of the vine. The season began with an unusually rainy winter and spring , which led to an early vegetative recovery. Frosts in April hit some flat areas, causing localized damage and extending flowering, especially for Pinot Grigio, which recorded one of the lowest fertility rates in the historical series. The months of May and June were the rainiest in recent years, with record accumulations that led to challenges in the containment of fungal diseases .
Fungal diseases and phytopathological management
Rainfall favored the development of downy mildew, but the application of the integrated production specification allowed the damage to be contained. In the treated vineyards, infections were mainly concentrated on young vegetation, while the bunches remained in good condition, ensuring healthy production. Powdery mildew was also contained, thanks to defoliation and bunch stretching. In 2024, special attention was paid to flavescence dorée, with over 6,000 hectares monitored (by the Consortium and associated wineries, in collaboration with the E. Mach Foundation) to limit the spread of the pathogen and the insect vector S. titanus .
Sustainable commitment and SQNPI certification
The SQNPI sustainable certification process, which began in 2016 and now involves 5,303 Trentino companies, continues in 2024. This system, unique in Italy in terms of its extension , represents an important milestone in integrated production and certifies a production process that respects the environment and the healthiness of the product.
Production and main cultivated varieties
The harvest saw a production of 790,836 quintals of white grapes, equal to 77% of the total , while black grapes totaled 229,675 quintals (23%), both categories showing a decrease compared to the previous year , respectively of 11% and 9%. Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Müller Thurgau continue to be the most widespread white varieties, with an overall share of over 70%. Teroldego (7% of total production, down 2%) and Merlot (5%, down 3%) dominate among the black grape varieties grown. Despite a quantitatively reduced production, the grapes harvested were of good quality. Compared to 2023, Pinot Grigio recorded a production of 354,933 quintals with a decrease of 14%, Chardonnay decreased by 7%.
Prospects and future developments
The 2024 vintage represented a testing ground for Trentino winemakers, forced to face climate and phytosanitary challenges of great impact. However, the commitment to integrated management and sustainable certification led to important qualitative results , demonstrating the resilience of the sector.
