An early harvest, marked by climate change!
A YEAR IN WHICH METEOROLOGY HAS BEEN THE PROTAGONIST THROUGHOUT THE EMPORDÀ
An early harvest, marked by climate change!
Climate change is increasingly affecting the entire agricultural sector, and this year 2024 is no exception. There are only a few days left until the harvest begins and we have seen the results of these changes present in our vineyards and in general, those of the Empordà.
We are talking about a year marked by extraordinary rainfall. In the last four months, we have accumulated approximately 450 liters per square meter, while the previous year we did not reach approx. 50 liters. per square meter at the end of the year. This drastic increase in precipitation was predictable for us, since in biodynamics, we work with a Maria Thun lunar calendar that allows us to anticipate weather conditions throughout the year.
At the end of June, coinciding with the dates of Saint John, we observed that the full moon was under the constellation Scorpio, which indicated heavy showers and rains. This was fulfilled and the following days, with high temperatures and the absence of a northerly wind, moisture remained in the soil and in the leaves of the vines, thus making the mildew appear. The impact has been so high that we can say that we have lost part of our production.
Mildew: fungus that appears when we have high humidity and subsequently increase and maintain temperatures up to 20º.
First, yellow and brown spots appear on the leaves and a type of whitish fur on the back of the leaf.
Larvae mildew: it is what later happens to the fruit, which dries up and falls, making it unusable.
In our winery, the varieties that have suffered the most from this situation are the Grenaches and the white and red Carignan. These varieties, more sensitive and exposed to diseases, are the most planted in our vineyards. The high temperatures and the loss of production have also led to a faster ripening of the grapes, advancing the harvest to mid-August.
Other meteorological effects such as the combination of drought and high temperatures and intense rains are changing the growth patterns of the vines. We are also seeing a shift in growing areas, with traditionally cool regions becoming new grape production areas, while warmer regions struggle to maintain the quality and quantity of production. To adapt to these changes, we are implementing more efficient soil and water management techniques, as well as exploring new grape varieties that are more resistant to heat and disease.
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