A sustainable irrigation system linked to a reservoir, has made a significant difference in this year's harvest, according to winemaker Stefano Girelli.

Girelli whose company The Wine People TWP, operates in several regions across Italy, says its Sicilian estate, Feudo di Santa Tresa in Vittoria, saw just a 5% drop in harvest, which he says given the current figures due to drought, he is "very happy".

"The vines suffered a little from the heat, but not too much and the quality of the grapes was very good. They had higher alcohol levels than usual, however this was well balanced by the acidity and ph - the quality of the white wines is outstanding and the reds are very good, particularly elegant. The conditions were perfect for organic viticulture (Santa Tresa has been certified organic since 2009), very little intervention of any kind needed."

He added its Miopasso Nero d'Avola which is made with a proportion of dried (Amarone-style) grapes and conditions for the appasimento were excellent - "we're looking forward to a really stunning vintage of this wine," he says.

For Sicily in general Girelli's main observation is the slightly higher alcohol levels. In the West - the Trapani area - he says the whites are "stunning - full bodied, with great balancing acidity and low ph - Grillo in particular is fantastic." For the reds, he says the eastern areas of the island look the best - Agrigento and Gela.

In Italy, he says the quality in Puglia, is "incredible". But he adds there are some issues with excessive alcohol, which they are bringing under control, due to vine dehydration.

From an economic perspective the short vintage in Tuscany, will put pressure on Chianti prices, he adds.