Rioja 2017 Vintage Report
Defining the 2017 vintage in Rioja 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.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 1954 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (12.7°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 32mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Rich, opulent, and structured wines built for the long haul.
About Rioja
Spain's premier wine region, famous for its oak-aged Tempranillo blends. Rioja balances fruit with savory notes of leather and spice, categorized by a strict aging system from Crianza to Gran Reserva.
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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