Table grape cracking problem now stable

The harvesting of PGI table grapes has started in Mazzarrone (Sicily). "September is the ideal month to harvest Italia grapes, and our produce is already available both in Italy and abroad. We started with very interesting Brix levels, ranging from 17-18 to 20-22 degrees. Grape size is average and flavor is very concentrated," explains consortium president Gianni Raniolo.

Gianni Raniolo

Small grapes really exalt that muscat flavor typical of the Italia variety. But not all is good.

"We have some trouble with vine management as winter was very windy, so we've had problems with plastic covers. In June, the rain and cold temperatures didn't lead to the Brix levels needed for the best placement on the market and also caused cracking."

Videointerview with Gianni Raniolo

The phenomenon has stabilized
"Cracking affected 30% of the production, with heavier damage depending on the area. Luckily we're not among the worst off. The phenomenon has stabilized at the moment and the grapes we're currently harvesting has all the characteristics that make PGI Italia grapes from Mazzarrone so special."

But how are things going in general?

"Figures are looking good. We don't only produce Italia grapes. Darker varieties are doing really well. Retailers are increasingly requiring branded products and I think that, at the end of the campaign, we will have commercialized 20% more than last year, also thanks to new members. But good results can be achieved only by being organised and thanks to members. We invite retailers to try our grapes, which has unique flavor and organoleptic qualities."

Contacts:
Gianni Raniolo
Consorzio di Tutela dell'Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone Igp
Tel.: +39 335 1033575
Email: uvaigpmazzarrone@libero.it