HARVESTS DIARY
HARVESTS DIARY
2013
The Rainy Year
Winter and spring had above-average levels of precipitation, creating water reserves in the soil for much of the growing season, although at the end of the cycle there were still some signs of water deficit. However, it was the great variation in temperature in the summer that most marked the wine-growing year, with some of the highest and lowest temperatures recorded simultaneously for this period. This led to very different maturation levels depending on the variety and plot. The difficulty of maturation of some varieties was overcome with the occurrence of rain at the end of September. Managing harvest dates was therefore fundamental, resulting in freshness, elegance but also solid structures, aromatic depth and great qualitative potential.
2011
The Generous Harvest
This year early gave the first signs that it could bring a generous harvest, given the bunches born. However, a particularly wet spring led to one of the greatest pressures of mildew in memory in the Douro region, seriously compromising the harvest. The action strategy adopted in the vineyards, despite being expensive, proved to be successful and in fact extremely rewarding – not only was it possible to ensure a generous production for the region's standards, but the quality would prove to be at the highest level. Summer did not bring the typical heat and aridity, but rather milder temperatures than usual, allowing smooth and progressive maturation, preserving the natural acidity and varietal aromas in the berries. The arrival of some heat only at the end of the cycle made it possible to refine the composition of the berries in phenolic terms. If we combine this with a smooth harvest and total absence of rain, allowing timely management of the harvest of the various parcels and varieties, with the necessary patience and consideration (but not always possible), we have all the ingredients for a great year. Vibrant fresh fruit, but with great depth, aromatic complexity and solid structure, advocating exceptional quality and great storage capacity.
2009
A Year of Contrasts
Winter and spring were generally less rainy and with temperatures slightly higher than normal. A cold snap appeared in mid-May, which, combined with some precipitation, affected flowering, leading to a significant drop in production. Until mid-August temperatures were abnormally mild, similar to the atypical summers of 2007 and 2008. But then two sudden peaks of heat completely change the rules: a first, in mid-August, causes an acceleration of Maturation, leading to the start of the earliest harvests in memory. A second, in the first week of September, imposes a concentration of noble compounds (aromas, polyphenols) formed when temperatures were still mild. The weight of the curls felt. The sugar levels in the berries rose a little higher than usual. But the aromatic freshness and balance with acidity are impressive. Even more so when combined with an aromatic complexity, depth, concentration and definition unusual at such an early stage. It manages to combine the best of both worlds, with vigorous and precise structures, but with a disconcerting and magnificent delicacy and depth. A year to go down in history.
2007
Whimsical Vines
Average temperatures during June, July and August rarely exceeded 20ºC and there was a distribution of precipitation throughout practically the entire cycle, forming a set of conditions that fit perfectly with the ideal of any plant physiology manual. But vines have their quirks... and viticulture manuals and reality have shown that the vine needs to some degree some stress during the final stage of maturation. 2007 thus becomes paradigmatic, on the one hand, but on the other, fascinating and fundamental for future viticulture. There is in fact no consolidated experience with a year like this. However, at this stage, the wines present potential at the level of the best that has ever been achieved, comparable to the extreme (and even antagonistic) 2003 and 2005. Fantastic maturities, deep colors, wines with a more than solid structure, great concentration …but always with a calming freshness. 2007 will go down in history as a year to study deeply. The elasticity of the vineyard in the face of conditions as different as those of 2003, 2005 and 2007 is astonishing and contributes significantly to breaking some taboos and established ideas. Of course, it is impossible at such an early stage to come to a definitive conclusion about the year's results. But the future… is extraordinarily promising and ambitious
2005
Irregular and Unique
This was one of the driest years ever in the Douro. At the end of August, the effort of the vines under such extreme conditions was visually impressive and their physiological activity was very irregular. We were obviously worried. But suddenly the good news literally fell from the sky: in the 2nd week of September it rained. And something you would never want in another year was a true blessing this year. The few drops were enough to refresh the vine canopy and reactivate maturation. Two weeks later the result was spectacular! The first fermentations immediately showed the level of quality we had ahead of us – intense fruit aromas, concentration… Patience and careful monitoring of the vineyards in the most precious moments had been rewarded – this difficult year gave rise to some of the best wines born in the vineyards from the Alves de Sousa family.
2004
Balance and Harmony
Among a sequence of harvests with extreme conditions, 2004 is perhaps the most balanced. Temperatures were naturally high but a more homogeneous distribution of rainfall during the wine-growing year allowed for smoother maturation. Beautiful musts resulted, deeply aromatic, with good acidity and freshness, characteristics that were maintained after vinification, resulting in wines of great elegance and balance.