In the past two weeks, hail has damaged vineyards in several winegrowing areas in the north of Italy, causing severe damage in the vineyard, not only in terms of quantity and quality of harvested grapes, but also in sense of grapevines survival and long-term development of vineyards. The hail that affected some of the most famous areas of Veneto region devoted to winemaking: from the precious Valpolicella (municipalities of Marano and San Pietro in Cariano) close to Verona, to the Treviso area of Montebelluna, Nervesa della Battaglia, Gaiarine and Codognè (TV), where some vineyards have suffered enormous damage (80-90%).
Heavy hailstorms with hail stones as big as walnuts have caused significant damage to leaves, stems, shoots, flower clusters and fruits. Leaves, flowers or fruits can be ether damaged or knocked to the ground, leaves can be bruised, torn, or holed; while shoots and trunk can be broken or have cracks. ice beans in some cases as large as walnuts have mowed vineyards, corn, wheat, vegetables, etc.
The hail has therefore “disturbed” a vegetative trend of the vineyard which, at the moment, however seems to promise well. The indications coming from the various regional wine-growing areas indicate a substantially good health status in the vineyards. The quantitative aspect of the next harvest is also promising to be interesting (medium-high) with an anticipated harvest of grapes compared to the last few years, in particular with regard to 2019.
Despite the meteorological interference, the Veneto vineyards show overall to be in good health, with no major issues of Downy mildew or peronospora. There are though some concerns coming from Flavescence dorée spread and above all from GPGV (Grapevine Pinot gris virus).
Grape yield, berry and wine quality can be severely affected by vineyard pests and diseases and managing these in a changing climate can be challenging.
Nevertheless, all over Italy, many advances have been made in understanding the extent of, and developing management strategies for, pests and diseases in local and regional vineyards.
