Rising production, international resilience, and strategic innovation define a promising year for Piedmontese wines
GRINZANE CAVOUR – The 2024 wine harvest in Piedmont has concluded with a production increase of approximately 5%, reaching over 2.25 million hectolitres compared to 2.06 million in 2023. This growth positions Piedmont as the second-largest wine-producing region in Italy, boasting a turnover of €1.248 billion.
The 2024 growing season was characterized by warm and humid conditions, a departure from the drought trends of recent years. Persistent rainfall alleviated previous water shortages but introduced challenges related to pest management. Despite these obstacles, the harvested grapes are expected to produce wines aligning with market preferences for lower alcohol content. Experts emphasize that cellar practices will be crucial in highlighting the unique qualities of this challenging yet promising vintage.
On the export front, Piedmont’s Denomination of Protected Origin (DOP) red wines have experienced a value increase of about 1% and a volume increase of 4.4%. Notably, exports to Canada surged by 49%, with significant growth also observed in Sweden (+14%), Japan, and the United States (both +10%).
These insights are detailed in “L’Annata Vitivinicola in Piemonte 2024,” an annual publication by Vignaioli Piemontesi and the Piedmont Region. Since 1992, this report has provided comprehensive analyses of harvest data and economic trends within the regional wine sector. The latest edition was presented at the Castello di Grinzane Cavour on December 18, 2024.
Paolo Bongioanni, the Regional Councillor for Agriculture, highlighted the integral role of wine in Piedmont’s agricultural development. He noted that, for the first time, regional departments for Commerce, Agriculture and Food, Hunting and Fishing, and Parks are unified under a single assessorate, reflecting the interconnected nature of these sectors. Bongioanni emphasized the region’s commitment to supporting agricultural enterprises, consortia, and regional wine shops through a €750 million Rural Development Program for 2023-2027. This initiative aims to enhance the value of Piedmont’s agri-food products and promote short supply chains to boost local economies.
Marina Chiarelli, the Regional Councillor for Tourism, acknowledged Piedmont’s leadership in national wine production and revenue. She attributed the region’s international market success to a synergy between tradition and innovation, which has elevated Piedmontese wines to global acclaim. Chiarelli expressed a commitment to further promoting these local products to attract quality tourism and strengthen Piedmont’s presence in global markets.
Giulio Porzio of Vignaioli Piemontesi reflected on the challenges of the 2024 vintage, particularly the difficulties posed by abundant rainfall during the harvest. He noted that while production increased, the economic sustainability of the sector remains a concern. Porzio called for a unified approach to rapidly evolving market demands and consumer preferences, underscoring the importance of strategic decision-making and regional support in navigating the future of Piedmontese viticulture.
Denis Pantini of Nomisma provided an analysis of Piedmontese wines’ performance in the international market. He noted that while overall Italian wine exports faced challenges, Piedmont’s DOP red wines showed resilience, particularly in markets like Canada, Sweden, Japan, and the United States. Pantini also highlighted emerging consumer trends, such as increased interest in sustainability, lower alcohol content, and indigenous grape varieties, which are influencing wine consumption patterns globally.
In summary, despite climatic challenges, the 2024 vintage in Piedmont is poised to produce wines that meet contemporary market trends. The region’s strategic initiatives and adaptability continue to bolster its position in both national and international wine markets.
