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Now that the 2002 harvest has been completed in Somontano, it is clear that grape volumes are ten percent lower than originally anticipated.
If we were to describe this harvest in just one word, it would be "complex".
The rain made the optimal ripening of the fruit and its harvesting very difficult. Adverse weather has also affected most of the year. There were intense snowfalls in December 2001 followed by variable spring weather, hailstorms in what was otherwise a dry July, and rain in August just in time for the chardonnay harvest.
Fortunately, autumn began on a positive note with good weather across Somontano in the last week of September and the first of October. This allowed us to recover some of the lost time and harvest the tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon and merlot in good condition. The harvest was longer than usual, almost nine weeks. Acidity levels are within usual limits and the quality is generally good.
We believe that the wines will be fresher and more fruity than in previous years, but less concentrated than the 2001. In fact, we do not expect the quality to reach the exceptional levels achieved in the 1995, 1998 or 2001. By comparison with other parts of Spain, Somontano has been one of the most privileged regions with conditions elsewhere very difficult.
In good times everybody is able to do well and make good wines but this year will be a real test for us. Will we be successful? We will have to wait some months for the answer but we remain quietly confident.
