Ribera del Duero 1978 Vintage Report
Defining the 1978 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. 35mm 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 5 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1155 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (12.1°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (6mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.
**Style:** Elegant, transparent wines defined by finesse and vibrant acidity.
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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