Valle d’Aosta, Bovard: la viticoltura e il nostro lavoro rischiano di cambiare

The 2026 grape harvest in the Valle d’Aosta region began on August 11th and concluded in mid-October. Nicolas Bovard, a 30-year-old president of the Valle d’Aosta Vini Consortium, which comprises 48 companies representing about 97% of the regional DOC wine production, summarized the 2026 viticulture year as one marked by significant climatic changes.

The unusual heat and scarce rainfall tested the local wineries, as the harvest typically began by mid-September in the past. Bovard, who also leads Cave Mont Blanc de Morgex et La Salle, a cooperative with an annual production of around 160,000 bottles, noted that the particular climate led to the simultaneous maturation of different grape varieties.

This required special handling compared to traditional maturation, where the timing varies. If this unusual situation becomes the norm, he suggested, the entire industry would need to rethink its work processes. The extreme heat also posed a secondary challenge: managing grape temperatures even in the cellar. Maintaining the typical freshness and acidity of mountain wines, which could otherwise be compromised, proved increasingly difficult.

The group's on-site efforts were crucial in determining whether 2026 could be considered a successful harvest. However, if the record temperatures and limited rainfall continue, water resource availability may become a primary concern, especially with the ongoing melting of glaciers. Although emergency irrigation systems prevented the worst outcome, their long-term sustainability remains uncertain.

The quantity of the harvest was in line with that of 2025, but the water resource availability in the coming years could prove to be a significant issue.