A demanding year, but with great quality potential
As the son of a farmer, I grew up hearing my mother say that the two key seasons for good agricultural productivity are autumn and spring. This year, nature followed that pattern, but also reminded us that, in the countryside, excess is never a good ally.
“In the countryside, excess is never a good ally.”
Last autumn was especially rainy, which complicated the end of the harvest. Winter remained within the average, but spring has been the rainiest I can remember. And although, in theory, this should herald a great year, the truth is that the excess rainfall has posed a significant challenge for both cereals and vineyards.
Rainfall during the cycle: March: 85 l/m², April: 70 l/m², May: 36 l/m², June: 80 l/m².
These figures, combined with slightly earlier budding than usual, have led to very vigorous vegetative growth. The vine has produced a large leaf mass, ideal for ripening the grapes, but also more susceptible to disease if not managed precisely.
“We are seeing very vigorous vegetative growth, which, while ideal for ripening, also increases the risk of disease.”
The unwanted protagonist of the year: downy mildew
High humidity conditions and moderate temperatures have favored the appearance of downy mildew, the most feared fungus by winegrowers this season.
Field management has been intense: we’ve worked thoroughly on the vegetation to keep the grapes as airy as possible and thus ensure the effectiveness of treatments.
“Field management has been intense: we’ve worked thoroughly on the vegetation to keep the grapes as airy as possible.”
Vegetative cycle and harvest forecast
Budding, especially in Chardonnay, was somewhat early, but the rest of the cycle has developed as usual. July has been cooler than normal, which has favored the vine’s work thanks to the accumulated water reserves.
“July has been cooler than normal, which has favored the vine’s work thanks to the accumulated water reserves.”
We’ve also observed lower bud fertility, resulting in fewer grape clusters per vine, and of smaller size.
The combination of cool weather, water reserves, and lower fruit load could shorten the ripening period and slightly bring forward the start of the harvest.
Conclusion:
This is a challenging year, marked by downy mildew pressure, high rainfall, and lower natural fertility. However, if fieldwork has been consistent and rigorous —as it has been at Bodegas Manzanos— we can expect a smaller harvest, but of extraordinary quality.
🖋 By Borja Ripa, winemaker and technical director at Bodegas Manzanos
0 Comments