Moldova's grape harvest expected to be larger than last year, but below average
Moldova's grape harvest began in mid-August and is expected to continue until late October. Experts predict this year’s harvest will be larger than last year's, but smaller than the multi-year average.
“Based on our estimates, the nationwide harvest could be 10–20% larger than the previous year, but 30–40% smaller than the multi-year average. Last year, about 169,000 tonnes of grapes were processed at wineries, and this year that figure could reach approximately 200,000 tonnes,” said Vladimir Corobca, a viticulture expert at the National Office for Vine and Wine (ONVV), on the “Zi de Zi” (Day by Day) show on Radio Moldova.
According to the expert, abundant rainfall this year led to increased soil moisture, which influenced grape development.
“In terms of quantity, there will be a yield increase per hectare compared to last year. However, the grapes are in excellent condition. In recent days, the drought has slowed the process of sugar accumulation, but we believe the situation will stabilise,” Corobca noted.
The expert added that meteorological analysis by the ONVV shows grapes ripened 11-15 days later this year than last. Differences are also recorded depending on the grape variety: for early and medium varieties, the juice yield is comparable to the multi-year average, while for late varieties, it will be lower.
Moldova currently has about 62,000 hectares of table grape vineyards and 50,000 hectares of land dedicated to wine varieties. The productive areas, with yields between 7 and 12 tonnes per hectare, total about 20–25,000 hectares.
“On a national average and based on multi-year data, wine grape varieties yield a harvest of about 5 tonnes per hectare,” added Vladimir Corobca.
The harvesting of new and indigenous varieties is set to begin in the coming days, with these types becoming increasingly popular.
“Currently, approximately 2,800 hectares of indigenous grape vineyards are registered in the country, and winemakers' interest in them is growing,” the ONVV representative stated.
According to the expert, the proposed price for these varieties in the coming period is 10–12 lei per kilogram.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
