Record harvest for Algarve's wine producers

The Algarve’s hot summer has not damaged what will be a record harvest with predictions from the region’s Wine Commission of of an increase of 20% over the 2016 figure.

After winter and spring characterised by low rainfall and some relative humidity, all of which led to good vine development, high temperatures in July accelerated the maturation of the grapes, making an early harvest necessary.

This was “in order to preserve the natural characteristics of the grape varieties and thus enhance the final quality of the wines, maintaining their balance in the fruity and floral aromas and flavours,” according to an upbeat statement from the regional Wine oimmission's president, Carlos Gracias, who anticipates a successful year,

"If economic conditions remain favourable and we continue to increase the attractiveness of the region to tourists, by 2018 - with the help of the restaurant and catering sector - we anticipate a record year for Algarve wine sales.”

It has been harder than ever this year to attract workers to pick the grapes as many have been tempted by jobs in the booming tourism sector but, with help from manpower from other regions, the grapes are harvested.

In 2010, there were but 16 certified wine producers in the Algarve who between them shipped 500,000 litres of wine.

There now are 35 certified producers in the Algarve who are expected to ship 1.2 million litres of the 2017 harvest, more that the 2016 record of 1 million litres.

Carlos Gracias commented that "the wines of the Algarve have been winning a place in the world of wines. Every year, more than 50 Algarve wines win awards in national and international competitions, It is the rebirth of a region that produces unique, elegant and easy to drink wines."

Around 85% of the Algarve's wine production is sold and consumed in the region due to the proximity of the tourist market.

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