Cooler but very dry or soggy

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – September was nearly 1 degree cooler than average, and either extremely dry or way too wet, depending on where you were. South of the Alps the average temperature was 1 to 2.5C cooler.

The grape harvests now underway throughout the country are giving evidence of the variation in rainfall and temperatures. Western Switzerland, but in particular central Valais, had only 30 to 50% of the normal humidity for September, compared to 1980-2010.

Ticino, on the other hand, had 180 to 190% more rain than usual, which has been bad news for wine producers. I spoke with last week with Francesco Tettamanti at Agriloro, who had this to say, “Fabulous harvest – but less than one-third the usual quantity. Very, very few grapes.”

If anyone tells you what the 2015 Swiss vintage was like, ask them where!