Ribera del Duero 1989 Vintage Report
The 1989 vintage in Ribera del Duero is the ultimate redemption story. After a chaotic start that threatened the crop, the season turned a corner to deliver a stunning finale.
Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 4 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 (12.5°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 21mm 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.
Want to explore vineyards in Ribera del Duero?
Discover the estates shaping the legacy of this region.
