Christian Scrinzi, the oenological director at Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), sheds light on the company’s collaborative efforts with growers in the Delle Venezie DOC region to safeguard the future of Pinot Grigio amid the challenges posed by climate change.
Climate change has emerged as a pressing concern for the Italian wine industry, with producers grappling with the consequences of extreme weather events across the country. From devastating floods in Emilia-Romagna to sweltering temperatures in Sicily, Italy has been grappling with the impact of shifting weather patterns.
Scrinzi acknowledges the undeniable influence of climate change on viticulture, pointing to rising average temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns. The changing climate has brought about challenges such as drought-stricken springs, heavy rainfall leading to downy mildew and hail issues.
Addressing these challenges, Scrinzi highlights the advantageous attributes of Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC. The wide cultivation area of this variety encompasses diverse regions, which offers some resilience against climate variations and maintains optimal production levels. Moreover, in certain areas, pergola-trained vines provide protective shading against sunburn and hail damage.
GIV and Delle Venezie DOC are taking proactive measures to ensure the sustainability of Pinot Grigio production in the long run. Scrinzi emphasizes the need for evolved viticulture strategies and a robust support network involving technical services, consultations, and on-site agronomists to aid producers in combating climatic adversities.
Additional measures, such as emergency irrigation and anti-hail nets, have also been introduced to mitigate risks. The collaboration between GIV and growers is highlighted as a crucial factor in maintaining sustainable production.
Despite these adaptations, concerns arise about preserving the distinct freshness that defines Delle Venezie DOC’s Pinot Grigio and contributes to its global appeal. Scrinzi points out that Pinot Grigio’s innate characteristics offer an advantage in warm conditions. Unlike other varieties, Pinot Grigio does not accumulate excessive sugars, rendering it more well-suited for warmer climates.
In the face of climate challenges, the collaboration between GIV and Delle Venezie DOC underscores the industry’s commitment to adapting viticultural practices to ensure the continued success and quality of Pinot Grigio wines.
