Rioja harvest late but outlook optimistic

While the Rioja region experienced its latest harvest in recent history, there is optimism in the region for a good quality vintage.

A total of 368 million kg of grapes were harvested, up on last year’s 355m kg, with the final grapes picked on 8 November, making it the most delayed Rioja harvest in recent history.

From the 368m kg of grapes, 255 million litres of red and white wine was produced.

“Although conditioned by unusual weather, the final result of the harvest was very positive thanks to growers’ expertise.

“It was a difficult year for grape producers, with heavy spring rains and low temperatures delaying the growing season and resulting in uneven ripening,” read a statement by the Consejo Regulador.

“Fortunately, the risk posed by the two-to-three week delay was offset by prevailing good weather in September and October allowing for selective, staggered grape picking, so plots were harvested as the grapes reached appropriate ripeness, thereby optimising fruit quality,” it added.