Ribera del Duero 1969 Vintage Report
Defining the 1969 vintage in Ribera del Duero requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 52mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 2 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1141 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 65mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.
About Ribera del Duero
Located on a high plateau, Ribera del Duero experiences extreme temperature swings. This results in "Tinto Fino" (Tempranillo) wines of immense concentration, dark fruit, and robust tannins.
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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