In northern Italy, near Asti, the 2026 wine harvest is being hailed as outstanding, despite a scorching summer. However, winemakers are facing a dilemma as their cellars are already full, leading them to cut production volumes, according to reports.
In Agliano Terme, located in the northwest region of Piedmont, workers on Monday were completing the last grape pickings of Barbera, the grape variety responsible for one of the region’s most popular red wines.
Filippo Mobrici, president of the Consorzio Barbera d’Asti, noted, “We began harvesting at the end of July, which is unprecedented.”
“A Five-Star Harvest”
Mobrici enthusiastically stated, “I have never seen such a good harvest year, both quantitatively and qualitatively. It is a five-star harvest.”
The summer of 2026 recorded the highest temperatures ever in this northern Italian region, situated between the Alps and the Po Valley, with an average temperature of 21.6 °C and peaks reaching 40 °C in early August near Agliano Terme.
However, prior to this heat, the winter and early spring had been quite rainy.
Mobrici explained, “The vines accumulated enough water reserves so that, despite the intense heat in recent months, the grapes could ripen under good conditions.”
Winemakers also took measures to protect their grapes from the sun, leaving more leaves than usual on the vines.
Overproduction Issues
At the same time, producers in the Barbera d’Asti area opted to limit their production by reducing yields from 90 to 85 quintals per hectare.
Many Italian regions have indeed produced excess wine in recent years and are struggling to sell it in markets impacted by wars, American tariffs, and changing consumer habits among younger drinkers.
At the end of July, stocks at the world’s largest wine producer were reported to have risen by 6.9% compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
This increase has led to over 5.6 billion bottles being stored, equivalent to nearly a year’s worth of production.
In the first half of 2026, the wine market showed weak performance, with inventories reaching their highest level in four years and prices declining again, averaging a drop of 10% compared to the previous year, as noted by the Italian Wine Union during its general assembly in July.
While Prosecco sparkling wine has the largest inventories and continues to sell well and be exported, traditional red wines from Puglia and Tuscany are facing more significant challenges. In Piedmont, some winemakers have chosen to convert part of their production into vinegar this year.
