Analysis by the Consortium for the Protection of Primitivo di Manduria.
Novella Pastorelli , President of the Consortium for the Protection of Primitivo di Manduria, has made official the conclusion of the 2024 harvest. Despite a drop in production of around 40% compared to the previous year, the quality of the grapes harvested remains excellent as always.
“We started the harvest two weeks earlier than in previous years with a reduction in production of about 40% but we have undoubtedly maintained an excellent quality for our grapes . – declares Novella Pastorelli – The prolonged heat and the overbearing drought have affected the size of the bunches which are smaller but their state of health is extraordinary and the early ripening has allowed us to obtain grapes with a higher alcohol content than in previous years. I would like to express sincere thanks to all the winemakers of the 18 municipalities of the area who, with their constant work and dedication, have made the success of this harvest possible. Their daily commitment, even in the face of complex climatic conditions, is essential to preserve and promote the excellence of Primitivo di Manduria”.
“We are going through a delicate moment, marked by a global wine crisis of a cyclical nature, in which, unfortunately, as every year, there is no shortage of unscrupulous speculators who practice unfair economic policies to the detriment of our winemakers who, for various reasons, often find themselves forced to sell off their product at a low price.
The Board of Directors, in recent years, has adopted all the measures required by current legislation to protect the common good. However, it is important to remember that it is not the prerogative of the Consortium to intervene in private negotiations. The natural decline in production pressure on the DOC and the consequent reduction in IGP yields will, we are sure, bring positive results on the stock front that is currently gripping many of our wineries. I am confident because crises often pave the way for progress. We continue to work together, not only to keep the name of Primitivo di Manduria high, but also to protect and enhance this winemaking heritage on a global level. The new challenges will allow us to explore new markets and attract new consumers, thus ensuring a solid and prosperous future for our denomination. – concludes Pastorelli – Our Consortium continues to carefully monitor the quality of production and to ensure that Primitivo di Manduria remains a symbol of tradition, passion and quality in the international wine scene. The 2024 harvest stands out for the high quality of Primitivo di Manduria, confirming the indissoluble bond between the land and its producers. This bond, rooted in tradition, continues to strengthen thanks to the commitment of those who work every day to keep an ancient and prestigious winemaking history alive”.