Wine grape harvests in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul are set to fall by 15-28% this year, coming off a record crop last season.

The Brazilian Wine Institute (IBRAVIN) says the harvest will likely fall to between 560,000 metric tons (MT) and 600,000MT, which would still represent the third-largest crop in the state's history.

"Half of the losses are a result of hail that hit vineyards in the state, responsible for around 90% of Brazil's wine preparation and 55% of grape production. The other half is because of drought," said IBRAVIN chairman Alceu Dalle Molle.

IBRAVIN said the losses were due to the La Niña weather phenomenon, which brought drier conditions with less rainfall.

"A small amount will be compensated if the weather continues to be favorable, with excellent quality of the raw material," said Carlos Raimundo Paviani.

Paviani added that if it weren't for the hail and drought the industry would have registered another record season, hitting 750,000MT compared to last year's 707,200MT.

Photo: IBRAVIN

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