Work, dedication, effort and hope: this is how our pre-harvest report began, and today, after a challenging campaign with unpredictable and unfavorable weather in September and October, we can say that the wines of this harvest are almost finished in their fermentation processes. Some of our estates have carried out malolactic fermentation in barrels, others have already completed it, and the concrete tanks have also finished their fermentation. The wines in stainless steel are coming to an end, and this stage of the year, as exciting as it is complex, allows us to reflect, collect data from the vineyard and the weather, and assess the potential of this vintage.
This analysis is crucial, since any error at this point can be costly. With the experience of 20 harvests leading the technical part at Bodegas Manzanos, together with this great family, we face this challenge with the conviction of making solid and precise decisions.
Global Production Data
At a global level, the 2024 harvest has maintained volumes similar to those of 2023. In Europe, the figures also reflect stability compared to the previous year, although there are variations by country: while France, Portugal and Austria have reduced their production, Spain and Italy have seen an increase.
In the context of Spain, regional differences are notable: the southern half of the country has increased its production, while the northern half has seen a significant decline. In La Rioja, the harvest has fallen from 384 million kilos in 2023 to 276 million in 2024, and in Navarra it has gone from 56 million to 44 million kilos.
Climate Year and Evolution of the Cycle
This year is characterized by a delayed vegetative cycle. We started the fall with moderate rains, which made it difficult for leaves to fall on the vines, prolonging their photosynthetic activity until mid-November. This indicated good budding if the winter rains accompanied, and so it was: after receiving 90 liters in this season, the cycle began favorably. The green and splendorous spring brought with it 100 litres per square metre and milder than normal temperatures, around 2°C below average, which began to delay the cycle, a trend that continued until the harvest with an accumulated delay of about ten days.
In addition, the incidence of millerandage or “smallpox” has been common in our appellation, resulting in less compact bunches due to poor setting. In summer, although temperatures were high, heat waves were less intense than in other years, which allowed the plant to maintain its activity without blockage, provided that irrigation, necessary at this stage, was well managed.
As for the health of the vineyard, it was an easy year until mid-August, when the weather changed dramatically. The months of August, September and October recorded significant rainfall that affected to varying degrees depending on the moment of ripening of the vineyard and subsequent conditions.
Climate Comparative Table
August had six days with rainfall of more than one litre per square metre, September eight and October seven. These rainfalls, depending on the state of ripeness and the subsequent weather, had varying effects on the vineyards.
The Harvest
The rains of late August and early September (62 l/m²) were generally beneficial, revitalising the vines, hydrating the grapes and favouring colour and phenolic quality in a September that was cooler than usual. This increase in phenolic ripeness resulted in grapes with better flavour and a slight increase in volume.
The harvests before 20 September showed great quality and an average concentration, with an alcohol content somewhat lower than the average of previous years. The rains of the 20th and 21st (25 litres) slightly impacted the concentration of the grapes harvested later, but the harvest continued at a fast pace with the support of five grape pickers and 25 people in manual harvesting. On October 4th we concluded the harvest in our Graciano vineyards and the Garnacha at higher altitudes in the Sierra de la Hez.
Result of the Vintage
This year’s weather has given us a more “Atlantic” vintage than usual: fresh wines, with lower alcohol levels and slightly higher acidity. This vintage allows us to create lighter and more vibrant wines, with vegetal and spicy aromatic notes and a marked varietal presence. Overall, it responds to a growing demand for fresh and less robust wines, with greater tension in the mouth and less alcohol.
Varietal Profile
- Whites: Fresh and aromatic.
- Garnacha for Rosé: Very good, with a fruity and floral nose.
- Garnacha for Red: Varietal and somewhat lighter than in other vintages.
- Tempranillo: Light, with less color and tannin, ideal for easy and enjoyable consumption.
- Graciano: Harvested much later than other years, with notable phenolic maturity and lower alcohol content, particularly excellent at the “El Barranco” estate.
In conclusion, the 2024 vintage is an opportunity to highlight our commitment to quality, adapting to market trends towards fresh and elegant wines, with great potential and a unique varietal identity.
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