The annual rainfall pattern showed a consistent trend of being significantly lower than average, though certain regions experienced better conditions than others during the winter and spring seasons, positioning them more favorably for what followed. Spring, a critical period for determining the yield of the upcoming harvest, was unusually brief yet largely unproblematic. Following favorable weather for bud break, vine development surged at a pace faster than ideal for many growers. May ushered in weather more akin to a Spanish summer, initiating a five-month stretch of relentless heat and drought.
Forest fires ravaged some wine regions, including Galicia, Navarra, and Catalonia, impacting vineyards not only directly but also through the displacement of wildlife. Throughout the season, vineyard work intensified, with meticulous canopy management crucial to shield vines from the elevated summer temperatures, particularly crucial for early-ripening whites and delicate varieties. As the extreme weather persisted into August, concerns arose regarding vine stress, maturation halts, and uneven ripening.
The effects of the extreme weather varied based on several factors. Regions with coastal or higher altitude influences, such as Rioja Alta, Ribera del Duero, and parts of Aragón, benefited from cooler temperatures. Irrigation played a crucial role, and soil type emerged as another significant factor; vines in the most suitable areas and older vineyards with deep root systems generally coped better in the scorching conditions.
Harvest arrived approximately two weeks earlier than usual, with growers closely monitoring acidity levels for both white and red varieties, while also patiently awaiting complete ripeness. Interestingly, vineyards in hotter areas often ripened later than usual, whereas those in cooler regions ripened earlier. Late-ripening varieties, such as Albariño and Verdejo, along with red varieties, thrived with the early autumn rains and cooler temperatures.
Quality was frequently hailed as exceptional, near perfect, or even the best ever seen, thanks to the remarkable absence of fungal disease, promising a fruitful year for organic wines as well. Many of Spain's indigenous varieties showcased strong performance, albeit with slightly lower acidity levels. Garnacha, in particular, generated considerable excitement across various regions, benefiting from mild spring conditions, a favorable fruit set, and a prolonged ripening period, showcasing its resilience to drought