Ribera del Duero

Defining the 1983 vintage in Ribera del Duero requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 6 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 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:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.