Ribera del Duero 1976 Vintage Report
1976 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Ribera del Duero, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.
Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 7 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (12.1°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 110mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.
**Style:** Lighter-bodied, early-drinking wines that prioritize charm over depth.
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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