Worrying news for vinho verde drinkers as the early summer rain has caused many producers of the lightly sparkling Portuguese classic to predict a reduced harvest.
The normally happy spokesman for the Viticulture Commission of the Vinho Verde Region, João Garrido, commented, "The rain that fell in July caught some producers off guard, because we were at a stage when it doesn’t usually rain. These producers have found vines with attacks of blight and powdery mildew which will serve to reduce production."
The grapes used in Vinho Verde production are spread over 20,000 hectares in northwest Portugal and the trade gainfully employs over 22,000 farmers who provide a grateful public with 80 million to 90 million litres annually.
Despite reported cases where rain has triggered disease it is premature to write off the 2014 harvest which still is a month away.
The mild start to the summer has delayed grape growth but the current hot weather is compensating and, if it continues will make up some of the losses from blighted vines.
