Douro Valley 2023 Vintage Report
2023 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Douro Valley, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 87mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches.
Summer turned up the intensity. With 15 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. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (12.4°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 109mm 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)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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