Porto, Sept. 3, 2024 (Lusa) - Portugal's Viticulture Commission of the Vinho Verde Region (CVRVV) estimates this year's production of the 'green wine' from the north of the country will be at the level of 2023, at around 90 million litres, although "it's too early to know how the year will close" given the delay in the harvest, the entity's president revealed on Tuesday.
"Although the harvest is somewhat delayed compared to 2023, and has not yet started on a large scale in the region, it is estimated that production could be at the same level as last year - around 90 million litres - and it is always possible that there will be variations slightly above or below these figures," said Dora Simões, president of the CVRVV, in a note sent to the Lusa news agency.
Simões emphasised, however, that it is still too early to know how 2024 will turn out in terms of total production volume, since the sparkling wine harvest and the harvest of earlier varieties have only just begun.
"We can already say that the general quality of the grapes is very good and, if the current conditions continue, it will be a year of excellent quality grapes for the Vinho Verde region," she added.
The commission president also said that this wine year temperatures were higher on average for part of the year than last year, which influenced the vegetative cycle of the vines, causing "an earlier budbreak, but delayed flowering in May due to low temperatures during that month.
"There was an incidence of mildew and blackrot, which affected the productivity of some vineyards," she said, adding that the region has a significant number of young vines, the result of restructuring over the last decade, so it is possible that losses due to cryptogamic diseases and scald could be offset by the production of young vines in the region.
On Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., the CVRVV is organising another open day, entitled "Quintas ao Sábado" (Estates on Saturday), with 14 estates and producers taking part.
Vineyard walks, vineyard art workshops for adults and children, tourist train rides, concerts, music and wine tastings are some of the activities that visitors will be able to enjoy in various parts of the region, such as Monção, Penafiel, Lousada, Valongo, Celorico de Basto, Melgaço, Barcelos and Amarante.
Participation is free, but the commission recommends registering in advance.
SPC/ARO // ARO.
Lusa
