The results of what has been one of the longest and most staggered campaigns in Rioja have been very satisfactory. The Rioja Qualified Denomination of Origin leaves a balance of the harvest around a production of 486 million kg of grapes.
Breaking down 204,44 million kilos in the Rioja Alta area In Rioja Oriental 187,95 and 93,62 in Rioja Alavesa. Of which 88% is red grapes and 12% white. All of this allows us to meet the production expectations for this year in the region.
The amount finally collected reflects that 2018, a vintage with a marked Atlantic influence that, despite having been complex, has not suffered weather setbacks. In the last cycle, which has allowed to achieve the optimal moment for collection.
Pablo Franco, director of the Control Body of the Regulatory Council, affirms that “the grape harvest. It has been very long and staggered, since it began on August 27 and ended on Thursday, November 15.
The harvest has been conditioned, above all, by two key factors: a benign weather. Which is why winegrowers and winemakers have been able to wait until they reach the optimum quality they need. We must highlight a rigorous selection both in the vineyard and in the winery.
Less alcoholic quantity and good aromatic definition
Regarding the quality of the wines made. "The first impressions on the quality of these, have a lower alcohol content with a good aromatic definition" affirms Pablo Franco.
«The first discoveries show a remarkable structure, typical of the most traditional Rioja wines. Possibly because this vintage also reminds us of those long vintages of before. All of this gives way to wines marked by balance and acidity and not so much by alcoholic degree ".
The good vegetative state of the vineyard and extraordinary health have been key to achieving these results. In addition to the significant effort made by the more than 15.000 winegrowers and 600 wineries of the Denomination and the operation of more than 200 harvest technicians and assistants.
