Ripeness monitoring allows grape growers to determine the ideal date of harvest in each town, thereby optimising fruit quality and that of the wines made with it.

We continue publishing the results of the ripeness monitoring grape samplings: during the fifth week, we can talk about good ripeness development across the Region. The Technical Department mentions “the acceleration observed in Rioja Alta, particularly with respect to potential alcoholic strength” and that “particular attention should be paid to acidity and pH values.”

Last week’s good weather helped keep the ripening pace, resulting in normal performance for Rioja with perhaps a slight delay in Rioja Alavesa. There has not been a significant evolution in the average weight of the bunches, although they continue to have a greater average weight than other years in Rioja

“In general,” says Pablo Franco, “the vines are in good health, although the first outbreaks of Botrytis (grey rot) have been identified. Although not serious, they do require extreme precautions in the vineyards.”

Red varieties are now being picked across Rioja Oriental, particularly in Navarre and the area of Alfaro, Aldeanueva de Ebro and Calahorra. The rest of the area is close to being harvest-ready.

The Board will continue to carry out ripeness monitoring in the rest of the region over the coming weeks, as it is a key service which allows grape growers to determine the ideal date of harvest in each town, thereby optimising fruit quality and that of the wines made with it.

Download Ripening Status report No. 5 / 2018 Harvest

Grape Ripeness Monitoring Report in PDF