Ribera del Duero 1988 Vintage Report
Defining the 1988 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. 72mm 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 1 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.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 46mm 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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