An extremely early grape harvest is expected this year

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 07. 22. 11:42

According to Máté Varga, the vice-chairman responsible for interprofessional affairs of the National Council of Mountain Villages (HNT), the grape harvest in Hungary can begin at the end of July this year. This applies especially to the early-ripening Csabagyöngye and Irsai Olivér varieties, which are usually only harvested in mid-August. The extreme heat waves brought forward the start of the harvest, which presents significant challenges to Hungarian winemakers.

Máté Varga said that the spring frosts and summer ice damage significantly affected the wine regions, affecting hundreds of hectares of vineyards. Despite this, according to the expert, this year’s crop will be better overall than last year’s, although he emphasized that not all regions can expect a high yield. Long-lasting heat waves especially affect younger plantations, where the plants are not able to absorb enough water, which can be seen in the yellowing of the lower leaves and the reduction of berry growth.

The vice-president emphasized that later-ripening grape varieties, such as Rhine Riesling or Cabernet Sauvignon, are still harvested in autumn. These varieties reach their optimal ripeness in late September or early October, which allows for the production of less alcoholic, fruitier red wines that are well suited to market trends and consumer habits.

The early harvest period raises new logistical and labor management issues for wineries. Due to the harvest starting earlier than usual, wineries have to prepare for the harvest season earlier, which can mean additional costs and organizational difficulties. At the same time, the early harvest also creates an opportunity for winemakers to react more quickly to market demands and come up with fresh, new vintage wines.