In the area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, this is expected to be one of the best harvests in recent years, taking place probably within the first week of September. It is starting, therefore, one of the most fascinating stages of the production of this DOCG sparkling wine sold in over 80 countries, with a value to the consumption of 515 million euro.
The harvest period, in effect, is one of the times when the hills of Prosecco Superiore show their uniqueness. In this territory, which requires 600 to 800 hours per year of manual labor per hectare, the harvest is heroic: just look at the views of Cartizze to realize or observe the work of those who go to work in the vineyards, between boxes to carry by hand and original inventions implemented by several wineries, such as the use of monorails that cover the steep stretches between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. All in a designation of ancient history, as witnessed by hundred years old vineyards, which is increasingly attentive to the environment by applying integrated pest management and innovative research, all aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the grape growing and the conservation of biodiversity of flora and fauna in the vineyards.
The expectations for the quality of the new vintage this year will offer even more enthusiasm. To date, as expected, that of 2015 will be one of the best harvests in recent years.
The heat wave that has affected the area since mid–July, caused some apprehension, but also focused the activity of the vine on the ripening of the grapes. The latest rains have also reported the vintage in the ideal conditions for a harvest of high quality.
Alongside the winegrowers of the hill, the technical assistance of the Protection Consortium is playing a vital role, committed to perform the ripening stages using 20 pilot vineyards that allow to have a clear picture on the progress, in order to identify the optimal time of harvest of each hill. The analysis of maturation, which is still in progress, is allowing vine growers to constantly monitor acidity and sugar concentration.
The next few days will be crucial to establish the beginning of the harvest that, following the withdrawals of the grapes in the vineyard and the inspections carried out by the technicians of the Consortium, should begin at the first week of September.
Decisive moment to take stock of the situations will be the pre–harvest meetings scheduled for 2 and 3 September 2015. On this occasion we will give growers more tips to be taken during the weeks before the harvest. Stripping, heading and all operations useful to aerate the grapes clusters are a valuable contribution to the quality of the grapes that will be harvested in the coming weeks.
On September 2, the appointment is at the primary school of Rua di Feletto, at 8:30 p.m. On 3 September, the meeting will be held at the Villa dei Cedri, in Valdobbiadene, always at 8:30 p.m.
Source: Gheusis
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03/09/2015
