A quick discussion this week with some spanish winemakers made it clear: Summer was hot in Spain and the quality of the 2010 harvests will be impacted by this climate effect. First discussion was with Rafael Palacios who is making one of the most delicate spanish white wine called As Sortes. “It was very dry during all summer. There will be a huge difference between producers as, in Galicia, people are not working with the same objectives. Producers who focus on getting quality wines and control yields strictly won’t suffer as much from the hot climate. Our vineyards are located between 650 and 750 meters in altitude, so our vines were less impacted by these high temperatures. Harvests on our 19 hectares’ vineyard should start within 10 days.” Rafael’s white wine As Sortes is elegant, crisp and brings a lovely salinity on the palate. Second discussion with Carlos Lopez de Lacalle from Bodegas Y Vinedos Artadi: “The dry weather that we had in Navarra during summer has some impact on our vines. Harvests should start next week and should last approximately 20 days. Regarding our vines in Rioja, harvests should start within 7/10 days and yields will be low. During the summer, temperatures were high and it was still warm at night time.” Among others, this bodega produces Artazuri, a wine made with Garnacha in Navarra, and Pagos Viejos (100% Tempranillo) in Rioja. Finally with Cristiano Van Zeller, the winemaker at Quinta Vale Dona Maria in Portugal, who is also producing a beautiful wine in Toro. “Toro suffered from hot temperatures during this summer. It was hot during the day and still warm at night. Harvest will take place earlier this year with a splendid quality and mature grapes. Old vines particularly will produce a good quantity of wine with a beautiful balance. This year, I am particularly impressed by the expression of ripe fruits that grapes will deliver.”
(You can reach the writer at info@vitabella.fr)
