Rioja

Defining the 1973 vintage in Rioja requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 101mm 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 44mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.