Ideal start to the vintage for Corsican winegrowers

bviously situations differ depending on the grape varieties, micro-regions and pruning dates, “But overall, vines are 8 to 10 days ahead of the 2023 vintage”, explains Nathalie Uscidda, director of the Corsican viticulture research centre (CRVI) which is tasked with conducting surveys for the plant health bulletin.

Niellucciu is the most advanced grape variety, reaching the setting or even peppercorn-size stage in Patrimonio. Biancu Gentile and Grenache are in full bloom whilst later-ripening grape varieties like Vermentinu fluctuate between flower caps separating and flowering. “Plant growth is later in Ajaccio”, says Uscidda, adding that the Western coast of Corsica had experienced higher rainfall over the winter than the Eastern coast.

In terms of disease pressure, “although mildew needs to be monitored, the situation is under control”. The first spots were observed on Niellucciu and Grenache vines at the beginning of the week in Aléria, but to date, both the frequency and intensity of the onset remain low. “The level of risk is decreasing across the entire region but showers are forecast locally next week”, warns Uscidda. “They could lead to fresh contamination in blocks that are already affected”.

Powdery mildew emerged exceptionally early – starting April 16 – on Niellucciu leaves along the Eastern coast, and on April 23 on Barbarossa, a very sensitive grape variety. It then became less apparent but Nathalie Uscidda remains cautious. “The frequency and intensity of the onset have started to increase again over the past fortnight, particularly on leaves of Niellucciu, Vermentinu and Biancu Gentile vines”, she explains. “With these grape varieties, growers must proceed carefully with crown suckering in order to promote aeration of the canopy and the clusters”.