Soon we inaugurate the summer season and the arrival of high temperatures. The summer period is very intense and it is also the countdown to the grape harvest. These months are decisive and have a special charm; the grapes begin to ripen, the green of the leaves becomes a more intense color and the vineyard takes on new shapes and colors.
GRAPE RIPENING IN SUMMER
At this time of the year, the grapes begin to grow significantly, leading to the closing of the cluster. At the end of July, the veraison begins, when the grapes start to grow and acquire their characteristic properties. In the case of red grapes, they turn blue while white grapes turn yellow. In addition to the change in color that the grapes undergo, their skins begin to lose thickness, obtaining tannins and generating the yeasts that will transform the sugar into alcohol. This color change is due to phenolic compounds, “anthocyanins” in red grape varieties and “flavonoids” in the case of white grapes.
As the summer progresses, the grapes will continue to grow, increasing in volume and will begin to accumulate water, nutrients and sugars.
Therefore, the appearance of the Envero means that in approximately 40 days the grape harvest will begin.
CLIMATOLOGY OF LA RIOJA
La Rioja has a mountainous relief and a climate with Mediterranean and Atlantic influences that provide mild temperatures and intense annual rainfall, making this D.O. one of the most appropriate and ideal for the cultivation and development of quality viticulture.
Viña Bujanda ‘s vineyards have a climate somewhere between Atlantic and Mediterranean. Winters are cold and long, which contributes to the vine’s lethargy necessary for its development. Summers, on the other hand, are warm and sunny during the day, stimulating the production of tannins and other polyphenols that will bring body, color and longevity to the wine. At night, the breeze and cooler temperatures prevent the plant from dehydrating.
On the other hand, at Finca Valpiedra we enjoy a very particular microclimate, influenced by the Sierra de Cantabria, to the north, and by the Sierra de la Demanda, to the south, and by the proximity to the Ebro River, a natural protector against frost. Its climate is continental with Atlantic influence, with hot summer days and cool nights.
Summer is one of the best times of the year for wine tourism because you can see how the vineyards are changing before the grape harvest.
During this season, the “desbrote”, “desniete” and “despunte” are carried out to maintain the vines for the grape harvest, in addition to the elimination of the clusters that have not ripened sufficiently.
CLIMATOLOGY OF CASTILLA LA MANCHA
Castilla-La Mancha, where Finca Antigua is located, has a continental climate and an average temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, which makes it an ideal place for growing grapes. If we add to this an average rainfall of 300 mm, the result is a large plateau in the center of our country where a collection of wines reflecting this unique terroir are produced.
During the month of June, flowering takes place, a process in which, after the budding of the vine, the first flowers appear, which will be fertilized to give way to fruit set, the moment when the vine will bear fruit.
The high temperatures from now on will favor the ripening of the grapes, increasing the sugar content, so that, after processing, their flavors will be intense and with a good structure.
WHEEL CLIMATOLOGY
Rueda, the town where Finca Montepedroso is located, in the province of Valladolid, has a continental oceanic climate. This means that winters are very cold and summers are very hot. Therefore, this type of climate and the gravelly soils are the ideal combination for the cultivation of the white grape varieties characteristic of this area.
As previously mentioned, heat favors the accumulation of sugars in the grapes, which positively affects the quality, intensity and complexity of the wine. The vineyard goes through different phenological stages throughout the year, being summer, with the moment of ripening, one of the most special and decisive in determining the quality and nuances of our wines.
Don’t let the heat be an excuse! Visit our farms this summer and enjoy the charm of the landscape at this time of the year.
