Not only have night temperatures dropped abruptly from 60s to 40 Farenheit (5 degrees Celsius) but thanks to unexpected adverse April weather, grape production in Tuscany will drop as well for 2017 causing a decrease in 2017 vintages that will put on the market.
An estimated 80 million euro of damage has already affected Tuscan estates, especially in the regions of Chianti (including Rufina) and Chianti Classico and Rufina. Vineyards in those areas have suffered losses ranging from 20% to 80%. The vineyards along the coast, including Bolgheri, Scansano and the rest of the Maremma, have fared better due to warmer temperatures.
The losses may continue as a result of storms and more cold forecast for next week. Farms with at least 30% damage to their crops are eligible to apply for aid from the European Union. To read more in Italian, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site.
