Ribera del Duero 2004 Vintage Report
Ideally sequenced and largely stress-free, 2004 goes down as a textbook vintage for Ribera del Duero.
The cycle began with a harmonious flowering period. Warm days (avg 19°C) allowed for an even fruit set, establishing the potential for a generous crop. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 2 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 (12.3°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (19mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.
**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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