Portugal

Douro Valley

2015
99Grapeyear
legendary Configuration

Douro Valley 2015 Vintage Report

For much of the season, 2015 looked destined for greatness in Douro Valley, until the elements conspired against it in the final weeks.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.

Summer turned up the intensity. With 14 days soaring above 35°C, the vines faced a stress test. Yet, thanks to sufficient water reserves, the canopy remained green, protecting the clusters from sunburn.

The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 142mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.

**Style:** Powerful but variable, with the best wines balancing the heat with careful selection.

About Douro Valley

A UNESCO site of dramatic, terraced slopes along the Douro River. Originally famous for Port, it now produces some of Portugal's most concentrated and elegant dry red wines from indigenous grapes.

Climatic Blueprint

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

2270

Total Rainfall

342 mm

Sunshine Hours

2369 hrs

Diurnal Shift

11.6 °C

Frost Days

0 days

Average Temperature

21 °C

Historical Context (10 Years)

Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.

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