Climate Challenges Hit Algarve Vineyards
Wine production in the Algarve is expected to decline by approximately 10% this year compared to last year, driven by climate instability, revealed the president of the Algarve Wine Commission (CVA) on Friday.
"We anticipate a decrease that could reach 10%, around 200,000 liters, compared to the previous harvest. The reasons for this reduction are linked to unexpected rainfall during an unanticipated period, which favored the emergence of diseases," said Sara Silva to Lusa news agency.
Industry Event Showcases Regional Wines
The Algarve Wine Commission, which certifies, controls, and promotes wines from the Faro district, organized the second edition of the "Algarve Wine Session" on Friday at a hotel in Vilamoura, Loulé municipality, featuring 30 producers to showcase Algarve wines.
This event, which presents Algarve wines over one day, includes wine tastings and demonstrations, lectures, and classes with experts, and is open to the public.
Record-Breaking Previous Year
According to the CVA president, last year was 'extraordinary for the sector', with a record production of about two million liters of wine, "the highest value" ever recorded in the region.
Growth in Certified Producers
Currently, the Algarve has 60 registered producers of certified wine with the geographical indication 'Algarve', operating in a total area of approximately 1,400 hectares, of which about 800 are under direct control of the Commission.
"All these hectares are directly controlled by us, and that's where the grapes for certified wine production come from," explained Sara Silva, highlighting the significant growth of the sector in the last decade.
"In 2017, we had about 30 producers, and now we have 60 registered. There was a doubling in the space of eight years, which represents great dynamism from new economic agents, with about four to five new operators each year," she added.
Export Trends and Markets
According to Sara Silva, exports of Algarve wine vary from year to year, averaging between 12% and 15% of the total production volume, with greater prominence in American markets – the United States and Brazil – and European markets.
"Europe has a significant influence here due to the relationship with tourism-emitting markets and because many of our producers are of European origin, with privileged channels to place their wines in those markets," she emphasized.
Role of the Algarve Wine Commission
The Algarve Wine Commission is the entity responsible for certifying and promoting wines with the geographical indication "Algarve" and the designations of origin Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, and Tavira.
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