Yields confirmed at 80 quintals per hectare. Concerns remain over tariffs and sales
For brachetto grapes, 2025 will be an excellent harvest, earlier than in previous years. Some winegrowers have already begun picking the grapes—healthy and already ripe—during the current week. However, the season for Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG, Acqui DOCG Rosé and Secco is overshadowed by concerns affecting the entire Italian wine world, caught between announcements of tariffs on the U.S. market and unsatisfactory sales indicators.
The Consorzio has decided to confirm yields per hectare at 80 quintals with 5 quintals of surplus for aromatic red and the remainder to be allocated to non-wine uses or flavored beverages. “This way we aim to eliminate any speculation on brachetto grapes that may be in excess of demand. As for non-wine uses, we are evaluating several options including vinegars, fruit juices, and preserves,” explains the Consorzio president, Paolo Ricagno.
EXCELLENT QUALITY FOR THE 2025 HARVEST
The quality of the grapes, monitored and constantly communicated to members through valuable and timely collaboration with the Consorzio dell’Asti analysis laboratory led by director Guido Bezzo, looks excellent. This is confirmed by agronomist Daniele Eberle, who monitors the condition of vines and grape clusters on behalf of the Consorzio.
“The issue that could have caused the most concern was the very hot weather, which, however, caused little damage thanks to the water reserves accumulated from 2024 rains that the vines were able to access. – says Eberle –. The brachetto grapes, which suffered, on average, negligible attacks from plant diseases and pests, appear healthy and excellent with significant sugar content and ready to be harvested in the coming days.”
This detail about grape sugar content, together with the intense and uniform color of the skins during this harvest period, is a harbinger of excellent wine quality.
MARKET DIFFICULTIES
“The Italian wine market is a disaster. Winegrowers’ income is at risk and yet I don’t see politics very interested in the problems afflicting our sector – states Ricagno –. No one from the Institutions is asking how things are going as harvest approaches, seeking commentary, analysis, and perhaps offering support, a valid strategy to help. Yet wine is important for Piedmont. Yet, until now, it has been a decisive factor in Piedmont’s economic balance. I wonder what our sector must do to attract the attention and help that, in my view, should be taken for granted from politics. But evidently that’s not the case.”
