High temperatures and a shortage of rainfall are the two leading factors of this 2022 vintage. They are affecting a large part of North Eastern Italy - not to mention the rest of Italy, and maybe of Europe.
The rainfall recorded in August straightened out a situation that was becoming alarming, particularly in vineyards not served by emergency irrigation. Night temperatures have also dropped considerably for the past few days, boding well for a very interesting harvest, especially for the medium-late varieties.
The drought is still the primary concern of most the producers, but it shouldn't be the only one. According to Diego Tomasi, researcher at the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), "speaking about water stress in the vineyards it's okay, but are we sure that the water is the only most important factor? I think it is not. In many areas the vines suffered from heat more than from lack of water. Climate change is leading us to this: even if there is water, it is not enough for the vines".
In such a framework, particular research comes in handy. Research performed even years ago, the results of which remained in drawers or were never totally applied. They are the zonings. Maybe few people know that Veneto is the Italian region with more zoning works. "The time has come for us to regain a sense of territory - Tomasi claimed - Italy is a patchwork of many, many territories, each tiny part of which is a small world unto itself, made up of different biodiversity, soils, landscapes, and ecosystems. Knowing this diversity as thoroughly as possible will help us find for each territory the most suitable agronomic solutions, to preserve it and fight the negative effects of climate change".