Moscatel and Chardonnay are the varieties that start the harvest campaign. It starts today, August 16, in the DO Benissalem. In the coming weeks, they will be followed by the rest of the white and red varieties, local and foreign.
DO Benissalem starts the harvest
To start the harvest, the winegrowers assess the ideal degree of maturation. Both the concentration of sugars and phenolic maturation.
This will determine the optimal moment depending on the wine to which this grape is destined in DO Benissalem. Parameters conditioned by the availability of water and the ambient temperature.
Although we are getting used to times of drought and heat waves. Each vintage has its peculiarities and this one is no exception.
In the DO Benissalem, this campaign, we can highlight a good hydric reserve accumulated during the winter and a cold and humid spring. They have been key to guaranteeing the water reserves that the strains need for their development.
Previous weather and pests
The rains of May and June caused in the DO Benissalem, in some areas, the appearance of outbreaks of "Mildew". A fungus that mainly affects the leaves but that, in the flowering and flower setting time.
All of this can significantly affect the grape. This fact has forced winegrowers to be very aware of the vineyard. Doing the appropriate treatments, which have allowed to control the disease.
The heat wave in late July and early August has set records for maximum and minimum temperatures. These have sped up the fruit's ripening process a bit. Mainly of the earliest varieties. Even so, the harvest begins 9 days later than that of 2017.
The last recorded rains, in the form of punctual and localized storms, will slightly delay the ripening process of other varieties.
Grape varieties
Mainly they are later grape varieties and, perhaps, they will force winemakers and wineries to a more careful work at the time of harvest. Selection in the field and also when the grapes enter the winery, to guarantee that the grapes are healthy and of the desired quality. Thus obtaining the characteristic wines of the DO Benissalem.
The type of soils in the DO Benissalem region, with a large number of coarse elements, allow good drainage. The cultivation practices and the orientation of the vineyards are key factors to minimize the effect of these rains.
It should be noted that local varieties generally have a very good response to the climatic conditions of the area. This has made it possible to obtain quality wines with distinctive and unique characteristics from the DO Benissalem.
In general, a moderate production is expected, in quantity, and of good quality.
