by james bailey
release date: January 12, 2024
Following the European Commission’s initial estimates in October 2023, Food and Wine Spain (FWS) revealed that the country’s production in 2023 will be 34 million hectares, around 14% less than in 2022. did.
Significant declines in Spain and Italy, which are down 12% compared to 2022, will result in poorer harvests across Europe, with EU production projected to fall by a total of 6%.
Extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves and hailstorms have affected regions across Spain, further worsening production in traditionally dry regions.
In Catalonia, for example, more than two years of dry spells have taken a toll on the total crop, with yields down 21% compared to last year, with yields particularly low for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Syrah. Monsanto, in the province of Tarragona, had its earliest harvest date on record, with yields down 30% compared to the previous year.
This pattern was very similar in Priorat due to drought, except for the fresher areas of Poboleda, which benefited from rains in May and June.
Moving to Castile and León, hail and frost in June and a hot summer reduced the yield in Verdejo, Rueda. Most vintages also started early, including Caserio de Dueñas (Sauvignon Blanc), where the “earliest harvest in history” began on August 15th.
Meanwhile, Toro’s fruit quality was described as “extraordinary” and yields were good, thanks in part to higher rainfall than last year. The main variety here is Tinta de Toro. Garnacha, white varieties include Malvasia and Albillo Real.
The harvest at Ribera del Duero has been described by DO officials as “one of the most complex harvests ever”. In March and May the region experienced frosts, and in September heavy rains and low temperatures put the berries at risk while the vines were fully developed after a dry summer.
In Rioja, extremely high temperatures, which reached 41.6 degrees on August 23, accelerated the ripening process, especially for relatively early-ripening Tempranillo, which also resulted in an earlier harvest date.
The weather caused damage to some vineyards, with leaves and grapes scorched. On a more positive note, Maria Barua, Bodegas LAN’s head of winemaking, said, “Unlike last year, there has been no noticeable drop in acidity due to the heat this summer, and the balance between acidity and alcohol has been very good.” It’s excellent.”
The rains in September were heavy, marking the region’s wettest start to September in years. Also, like many regions, he had two distinct stages: before the rain and after it rained.
Generally speaking, areas with higher elevations and cooler climates performed better. Ramon Bilbao’s team concluded that “in Rioja Alta and (higher altitude) Rioja Oriental, the grapes reached a perfect ripeness with higher yields and more concentration.” […] The balance between tannins and alcohol has also improved. ” In general, Rioja yields were higher than expected thanks to September’s rains, giving hope to the Spanish wine industry.