Hailstorms destroy up to 35 per cent of the crop

Apart from heavy rain- and hailstorms, fierce winds - up to 100km/h and close to the soil - also destroyed parts of the vineyards in Tuscany, but in particular their grapes. The Sant´ Angelo region in Colle has been particularly affected. Apart from small vintners, also renowned producers are affected. Reports say that up to 35% of the crop has been lost in unprotected areas.

"The storm was unusual for this time, very fierce and strong. And the fierce winds finished off the grapes", according to the tenor of the affected vintagers.

"It was the worst storm in Montalcino in decades, said Francesco Marone Cinzano, owner of the Tenuta Col d´Orcia. "In some places, producers lost almost everything, and in other regions up to 20% of the crop has been lost," he added.

The Tuscan vintners assessed the quality of the remaining grapes as very high, and they hope for dry weather to harvest the partially badly reduced crop without further damages and difficulties. (aw.yoopress)