In Sremski Karlovci, even the most seasoned winegrowers are astonished by the early grape harvests this year, with harvesting starting as early as mid-August. Predrag Bajilo, a veteran vintner from Karlovac, reports that he began harvesting 35 percent of his vineyards by August 15. In his five decades in the industry, including his childhood years helping in his parents’ vineyards and later as a winery owner, Bajilo has never experienced such an early harvest.
Siniša Ostojić, an oenologist at the Experimental Plant of the Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad, also notes that this year’s grape harvest is occurring three to four weeks ahead of schedule. According to Ostojić, the early ripening was influenced by a mild winter and an initial drought.
“From the beginning of the season, it was evident that everything would occur earlier than usual,” Ostojić explains. “Although there was a slight slowdown in the process, high temperatures have accelerated the harvest. If this trend continues, the harvest could be completed by the end of September, which is significantly earlier than usual. The earliest previous record was on August 20, 2017, and now nearly all grape varieties are maturing early.”
By mid-August, varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir had already been harvested from the faculty’s vineyards. The high sugar levels in the grapes—reaching 22-23 percent—are promising, and while the impact on the wine’s aromatic properties remains to be seen, the quality is expected to be solid.
Ostojić highlights that while accelerated ripening may affect the wine’s aromatic qualities, the overall quality is still promising. He notes that different grape varieties react differently to climatic conditions, and this year’s extreme weather conditions have led to significant changes in viticulture practices.
Climate change is altering traditional winegrowing conditions, prompting producers to reconsider plant species and cultivation methods. Ostojić suggests that while changes are evident, they are part of a larger cycle rather than a permanent shift. He emphasizes the need for adjustments in viticulture to adapt to new climatic realities.
Bajilo also points out that irrigation could be a crucial adaptation strategy, despite the significant investment required. He estimates that drilling a well with a pump on Fruška Gora costs around €25,000, excluding the cost of branching per plot. The challenge lies in securing affordable electricity for irrigation.
Aleksandar Dobrenov, another experienced oenologist from Sremski Karlovci, reflects on his 15 harvests, noting that he has never before seen grapes harvested in August. He humorously suggests that producers may need to reconsider either their grape varieties or soil conditions to cope with these changes.
Overall, the early harvests in Sremski Karlovci highlight the profound impact of climatic changes on viticulture and underscore the need for adaptation in both growing practices and grape varieties.
