The grape harvest for the 2024 vintage at Casa Rallo, white wine producers between Alcamo and Marsala, began on August 16th, about ten days earlier than the previous year, and took place, like recent harvests, in a challenging context primarily due to climate instability.

In autumn and winter 2023, rainfall was significantly below the seasonal average, with only 250 millimeters of rain compared to the usual 500-600. The limited water reserves in the vineyards, combined with an early-starting summer with high temperatures, accelerated all phenological phases of the vine. We therefore observed early budbreak, followed by equally advanced flowering and veraison.

These factors made it necessary to bring forward the harvest and manage it differently: temperatures – which often exceeded 40°C between the rows – led us to revise working hours, favoring the cooler morning hours and requiring winegrowers and the oenologist to be present in the field before dawn. On the other hand, the hot climate created hostile conditions for disease development, with a complete absence of powdery mildew or downy mildew.

At Pattipiccolo, in Alcamo, the use of emergency irrigation partially mitigated the effects of the drought.

Yields were low from the beginning of the harvest, with significant losses compared to previous years. Production dropped by between 20 and 25%. The grape varieties that suffered the greatest production decline were Insolia for white grapes and Perricone for red ones.

Despite the difficulties in production yield, quality was preserved. The grapes arrived at the winery in optimal and healthy condition. It’s still early to make predictions, but we are optimistic and anticipate an excellent result.

The 2024 harvest was difficult, afflicted by the effects of climate change. While protecting our landscape and making virtuous environmental choices are our priorities, it is also true that it is impossible to reverse the trend of an increasingly adverse climate with scarce rainfall and prolonged periods of drought. We must become aware of this and take action to protect our territory.

All the grapes produced are organically grown. Organic certification is issued by Bioagricert of Casalecchio di Reno (BO) with operator number A55H.