2008 Rioja & Spain Vintage

A dry winter in Rioja was followed by frequent spring rain that amply replenished ground reserves. Vigorous canopy growth let mildew flourish, though Rioja suffered less than other Spanish appellations. Irregular flowering and fruit set followed during a coolish summer, and with fewer berries per cluster the crop fell, continuing a four-year downward trend. The weather was exceptionally favourable throughout the final phase of the vegetative cycle, which left the fruit in practically perfect health and let ripening move forward with balanced colour, acidity and alcohol. A long Indian summer allowed picking at the optimal moment; when sunshine finally arrived, the looser clusters reduced rot risk and encouraged better ripening. White Viura was picked from mid-September, typical timing. Despite forecasts of rain, picking began under clear blue skies and went on well into November. Rioja Baja started in early October, and Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa were delayed a further week. Harvest ended on 10 November with 396.6 million kg of grapes, a crop of high quality and somewhat lower in final volume than previous years.

The Consejo Regulador rated 2008 "Muy Buena" (Very Good) after analysis and tasting of 4,061 samples representing the 283.5 million litres made. Of that, 270.43 million litres were qualified, a certification rate of 95.4 percent: 245.43 million litres of red, 14.03 million litres of rosado and 10.97 million litres of white. It was the third consecutive "Muy Buena" vintage, after 2006 and 2007, which the Consejo ties to its quality policy, including limits on maximum yields. In the years before 2008 the Consejo had also added a polyphenol index and a colour index to the requirements for the overall vintage rating.

• "Muy Buena" (Very Good), the third in a row after 2006 and 2007
• 4,061 samples; 283.5 million litres made, 270.43 million litres qualified (95.4 percent)
• Qualified volume: 245.43 million litres red, 14.03 million rosado, 10.97 million white
• Rating criteria include a polyphenol index and a colour index

Harvest came late to many parts of Spain, with picking starting as late as mid-October. The Torres family, which buys grapes across the country, reported large amounts of spring rainfall offset by a gently hot summer, and the rain meant mildew was widespread. In Priorat, rot particularly affected Garnacha and Cariñena. In Aragon, spring rain during flowering left yields 10 to 40 percent lower than in 2007. At Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero, the temperature fell to between 29 F and 26 F on 26 and 27 September, and the frost mainly affected low vineyards. In Bierzo, the local regulator said 89 percent of grapes entering the bodegas would be cleared for winemaking despite irregular weather, and Rías Baixas had ripe, acidic and balanced Albariño.

• Spain-wide: heavy spring rain and widespread mildew
• Priorat: rot particularly affected Garnacha and Cariñena; Aragon: yields 10 to 40 percent below 2007
• Ribera del Duero: frost on 26 and 27 September mainly affected low vineyards
• Bierzo: 89 percent of grapes cleared for winemaking; Rías Baixas: ripe, balanced Albariño

Decanter's vintage guide describes ripe, balanced, medium-bodied reds with bright acidity, and racy whites with good fruit and floral flavours. The reds should be more restrained in ripeness and alcohol than some past vintages, with the structure for ageing, and the best wines should come from top winemakers able to manage their vineyards and deselect fruit. Wine Spectator reported Rioja vintners expecting balanced alcohol and sugar levels. The Consejo describes reds of deep colour with firm but ripe tannins, whose fresh acidity and appropriate alcohol give notable ageing capacity, from Tempranillo alongside Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo.

• Reds: ripe, balanced, medium-bodied, bright acidity
• Whites: racy, with good fruit and floral flavours
• Deep colour and firm but ripe tannins