Rioja

For much of the season, 2024 looked destined for greatness in Rioja, until the elements conspired against it in the final weeks.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.

Summer turned up the intensity. With 21 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 (12.4°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.

The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 142mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.

**Style:** Powerful but variable, with the best wines balancing the heat with careful selection.