The 2023 grape harvest is not shaping up as favourably as initial press reports may have suggested, the Association des Vignerons de Wallonie warns. While quantity and quality should be there, the heavy summer rains could upset the ripening of the grapes, the winegrowers' organisation says.
This vintage is not as obvious as it seems, Association President Pierre Rion cautions, drawing on the testimonies of around 30 Walloon winegrowers, in the association's newsletter, published on Monday.
The summer months were very wet and soaked the grapes with water, producing big, larger-than-usual bunches which, however, can sometimes have a hard time ripening. Quick decisions will have to be taken to avoid the development of botrytis, the famous fungus that causes grey rot, Mr. Rion explained.
The next fortnight, during which the first shears will be used, will be decisive in bringing the grapes to full ripeness. Still, the winegrowers are skilled at their craft and, as some of them testify, “nothing is preventing a fine harvest,” the association reports.
According to the newsletter, Hainaut is set to become the province with the highest acreage devoted to grapes in Wallonia, with almost 200 hectares planted.
This province is home to several “powerhouses,” such as Domaine du Chant d’Eole, Ruffus and Mont des Anges.
Moreover, eight hectares have just been added in Ath, while the Colruyt chain of shops has planted four hectares in Frasnes-lez-Anvaing and plans to double the amount by 2024.
Additionally, various projects representing more than 65 hectares are due to come on stream in the Botte du Hainaut.
