Thanks to Federico Vincenzi in Milan for this report.
Overview
2007 was very hot, and winemakers decided to harvest early – up to 30 days in some instances. Italy will face a 10% reduction in the quantity of wine produced: 45 million hectolitres v 50 million hl in 2006. The good news is that the quality has increased: in 2007 the drought was less intense than in 2003 and the June rains helped the vines survive and flourish.
South
Winter and spring were moderately rainy, summer and autumn quite dry.
Chardonnay was the first grape to be harvested (15 Aug)...