Pénedes predicts healthy vintage

The Spanish region of Pénedes is set to toast the 2015 vintage as a strong one despite the variable weather conditions throughout the year, one of its leading producers has reported.

The 2015 harvest in Pénedes (Photo Juvé & Camps)

Antonio Orte, Winemaker at Juvé & Camps said that all of the grapes were “extremely healthy this year” with no mildew or rot.

He told the drinks business: “The vintage reminds me of 2009 in terms of richness and complex aromas showing in all the varieties.”

“At this stage the 2015 harvest is shaping up to be a great vintage, full of quality and potential,” he said.

The Pénedes region saw variable weather across the year, with intense rainfall in September to November 2014, followed by a surprising period of snowfall in January 2015, which fortunately provided water reserves for the dry months to follow.

Average temperatures were a little bit higher than expected during the spring, causing an early budburst in most of the varieties and accelerated the maturation process, Juvé & Camps reported.

The warm, dry conditions continued throughout July indicated one of the earliest harvests on record for the producer. However by the beginning of August the Chardonnay and Pinot grapes were still not fully ripe.

“This was because the lack of water and very hot temperatures had stressed the vines to the extent that metabolism had virtually stopped”, J&C said. Picking began on 10 August, four days later than in 2014.