Rioja

Defining the 2023 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. 105mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches.

Summer turned up the intensity. With 17 days soaring above 35°C, the vines faced a stress test. Yet, thanks to sufficient water reserves, the canopy remained green, protecting the clusters from sunburn. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (12.6°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.

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.