Forecasts had warned of rough weather, and the forecast proved accurate. The Alicante wine region now confronts a fresh campaign marked by a near 10% drop in production as vineyards endure hotter summers. The commercial outlook isn’t entirely bright either, since a robust tourist rebound is expected to lift seasonal demand, while inflation continues to erode consumer purchasing power and recession pressures clip volumes in key markets like the United States.
Protected Designation of Origin Alicante Wines marked the opening of the 90th harvest this Monday, convening a gathering at a Villena estate where the regulatory council brings together vineyards, wineries, and various institutions. Attendees included the regional secretaries of Agriculture and Landscape, Roger Llanes and Inma Orozco, along with Sebastián Cañadas, Deputy for Publicity and Local Development; the council chair, José Juan Reus; and representatives from the municipalities of Villena, Pinoso, Salinas, and Cañada. [Source: PDO Alicante]
This year’s campaign shows a production reduction of 1.4 million liters, leaving the final volume for the 45 wineries in the PDO at 12.6 million liters. Extreme heat prevented some grapes from reaching optimal size, and the early ripening trend contributed to the earlier harvest. Yet the outlook remains positive for quality, especially in the province’s flagship grape, Monastrell, which reached peak ripeness and promises premium character this season. [Source: PDO Alicante]
What worries the sector most at present is how sales will fare in the coming months. The industry had forecast a lively summer fueled by tourism and expected turnover to surpass pre-pandemic records, aiming for a 34 million euro turnover. Unfortunately, indicators are turning more cautious as the downturn begins to unfold. [Source: PDO Alicante]
Eladio Martín Aniorte, director of the PDO, notes that inflation erodes consumer purchasing power and can dampen wine purchases. The Ukraine conflict created global uncertainty and contributed to a recession in some markets, including the United States. Miguel Ángel Díaz, a prominent exporter and commercial director at Bodegas Pinoso, warns that North American sales are not as volatile as in the first half of the year, but remain a concern. [Source: PDO Alicante]
Harvest delayed from September to August due to climate change
Andrés Carull, manager of Vinessens Winery in Villena, also cites uncertainty and rising production costs that have yet to be fully passed to customers. Profit margins are narrowing as expenses climb. [Source: PDO Alicante]
Against this backdrop, Aniorte suggests the industry would be pleased to match last year’s turnover and then gauge how conditions unfold. The PDO representative reiterates the push to promote Alicante wines within the province, urging bars and restaurants to integrate the products into menus and present them to diners as a cornerstone of local tastings. [Source: PDO Alicante]
The harvest’s patronage figure this year goes to Alicante humorist Jorge Cremades, named godfather of the harvest. Cremades participated in the symbolic cutting of the Monastrell grape at the Villena estate, where a moment of silence was observed for the passing of Ana María Sánchez, a respected soprano. [Source: PDO Alicante]