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This year’s wine production in Tuscany looks very promising, with an output growth estimated at between 3 and 5%. For rosé wines, a relatively new sector for Tuscany, we’re looking at double-digit growth.

“We’re optimistic and we can say that this is going to be an excellent year with respect to quality – explains Francesco Colpizzi, president of the Federation Vitivinicoltura of Confagricoltura Toscana – The rainfall has proved healthy for the development of the maturation cycle of the grapes. We’ve already started harvesting the early white grapes, such as chardonnay and sauvignon, and also the red grapes for the production of spumante and rosé wines. We’ll still have to wait to start harvesting the grapes that go into the great Tuscan red wines”.

The forecasts speak of a production of 2.2 million hectolitres. This year’s novelty is the increased production in the rosé wines sector, which is unusual for Tuscany: “The growth rate is substantial, equal to about 10%”.

Sparkling wines are also showing impressive results, “Our companies are constantly investing in this sector- continues Colpizzi – Innovations in the products and the production phase allow us to compete in terms of quality with other regions that have a longer tradition”.

With regard to prices, “they are more or less stable. Some wine designations have considered it appropriate to apply some production limitation policies”.

But the real unknown lies on international markets. “We’ll have to see what happens with Brexit – adds Colpizzi – The United Kingdom is a relevant market and there will certainly be repercussions for our exports”.

The American market also brings some uncertainty. “We’re keeping a close eye on the US policies. We’ll have to see what happens with the duties, if it’s a serious decision or only a threat.”

“Confagricoltura asks the Regione Toscana to work together on new promotion policies – This is the appeal of the president of the Vitivinicoltura Federation of Confagricoltura Toscana – We don’t simply need investments in innovations, in the actions that our companies are carrying out with sacrifice and effort, as anybody can see from the results. But we also need a harmonious, analytical and coherent activity on the promotion policies aimed at both international and national markets. We demand greater attention to promotional policies. As the regional administration is very sensitive to these themes, we’re sure that we’ll be able to set up an effective plan”.

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