In NE Italy the spring has been very rainy and cooler than normal. A far different situation from last year's, when producers were dealing with dry soil and hot temperatures that accelerated grape development. Producers have told me that vines are behind in their development; some express concern that the rain may not end soon enough to have a serious effect on the quality of the grapes. "It rained all of April," one told me. "We had a spell of sunny weather in May, but more gloom than warm sun this month.". Let's hope June brings more typical weather for this beautiful part of Italy.
By the way, it was sunny and warm in Soaveland this morning--mid 70s. As we drove back to Valpolicella, to the NW, the temperature dropped almost. 20 degrees as a lashing rain hit, all in the space of five minutes. It hasn't gotten any better after two hours.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Man is raining all over Italy...
Posted by: gabrio | May 21, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Indeed I had to buy an umbrella last tuesday in Padova (flew in for the day). Apparently the mainland around Venice had been flooded at the weekend.
Posted by: Mike Tommasi | May 22, 2008 at 03:53 AM
Gentlemen, it is still raining. Cats and cani.
Posted by: terence | May 22, 2008 at 02:39 PM