Ribera Del Duero Vintage Chart

The beginning of the growing season and the summer were marked by drought, followed by scorching heat at the end of August that caused many plants to collapse. As a result, when rainfall arrived in early September, the impact on the grape bunches was minimal – most plants used the much-needed water to survive. October saw higher-than-average temperatures, which made those grapes harvested in early September more favorable for the production of higher quality wines. 2023 is shaping up to be an “average” year, with wines showing lower acid than those produced in 2022 as well as higher alcohol in those areas affected by the extreme heat.

The absence of rain and the remarkably hot temperatures during the growing season marked the vintage and led to irregular ripening levels. Berries were well below their average weight with a higher ratio of skin to pulp. The hot weather did, however, result in healthy grapes and allowed producers to choose when to pick. Accordingly, harvest dates play a key role in defining individual wine styles. Although it is still early to tell, 2022 will most likely bring slightly warm reds with very deep color, generous fruit, and full body.

The year began with a snowstorm which helped to restore water reserves. This was followed by frost and thunderstorms in late May and early June, both of which led to incidences of fungus and reduced yields. The summer was dry with mild temperatures with the exception of a two-week heat wave. The rain in September conditioned the picking of the grapes but most producers benefitted from the cold nights in the latest stages of ripeness, while those who waited were left to battle high alcohol levels. Most producers describe 2021 as an incredibly good vintage in Ribera, with good acidity and ripeness levels in line with 2015 and 2019.

The 2020 vintage was marked by rainfall events, both during the growing season and, more crucially, during the harvest. Winegrowers had to deal with fast weed growth, mildew pressure, and, to a lesser extent, powdery mildew. Overall quality relied on the stage of ripeness of the fruit when it began to rain in September. Although the picking had to be postponed on several occasions, the rain also had a refreshing effect as it helped to balance out the wines. The wines have deep color and are fresh and fruit-driven, with firm and fine tannins and surprisingly moderate alcohol levels.

Concentration came naturally in 2019, favored by low groundwater levels, and a mild, extremely dry summer that generated hydric stress. Many vines stopped the ripening process during the cycle which stressed alcohol and acidity levels while others were forced to wait to achieve full ripeness. Nevertheless, these warm years in the region have become synonymous with healthy grapes and higher than average quality. The wines are still developing, so this is a vintage to keep. The vintage was rated “Excellent.”

The rainy winter and spring provided much needed water for the plants and led to good yields. Though temperatures were lower than usual in July, September, and October, they were warmer than the average and allowed harvest to continue to the end of the month. Accordingly, producers were able to choose their optimal time to pick the grapes. The wines are fresh, fruit-driven, and balanced, without any excess of ripeness. This is a restrained vintage that can appeal to a wide range of consumers, not just those looking for powerful wines.

2017

This was a short vintage marked by a devastating, widespread frost in late April that hit the area. Losses were dramatic in certain areas of Burgos, particularly around Aranda de Duero. The rest of the year was dry and warm leading to a record early vintage as the small crop ripened fast. The outcome depended on the work done in the vineyard to discard problematic batches. The overall quality was good, with wines that are fruit-driven and concentrated with ripe and unctuous tannins but lacking a bit of tension (due to lower-than-normal acidity).

A cold, rainy spring increased underground water reserves, delayed budding, and boosted yields significantly. Additionally, there was an absence of rain from May onward and hot temperatures in July, late August, and early September. Diurnal temperatures were less marked than previous vintages. May vines even stopped the ripening process to prevent dehydration. This, alongside high yields, delayed the harvest, but producers found the moderate conditions helpful in their ability to choose the ideal picking time. Almudena Alberca, MW, described 2017 as a “naturally modern vintage” due to the lack of concentration. The grapes were healthy, and the wines are balanced and expressive. The best examples came from old vines and vineyards where yields were kept under control. Many producers remain enthusiastic about the style and the quality of the vintage.

2015 has been compared to 2005 due to its power and concentration. It was a slightly early harvest due to a dry, sweltering summer that encouraged fast ripening and naturally limited yields. This resulted in structured wines with deep color, full ripeness, and firm tannins, all of which make for the perfect cellaring wine. The absence of rain in the late stages of ripening ensured a comfortable harvest and a healthy crop of grapes. It was an “easy” vintage which drove the production of high-quality wines. It naturally also reinforced the image of Ribera del Duero as a source of deep, powerful red wines. The Regulatory Council rated it “Excellent.”

2014

This was a heterogeneous, productive vintage in Ribera de Duero but a great favorite for its top producers. Winter was mild and dry; spring began warmer than usual, bringing an early budbreak but later reverted to fresher conditions which led to excellent fruit set. The summer was quite mild until the end of August when temperatures rose to allow for optimum ripening. Those who did green pruning and kept yields under control were able to pick the grapes before it started to rain at the end of September. The best wines have power and ripeness but also outstanding balance, freshness, and elegance. Tannins are fine, without a trace of the austerity that is often associated with the region.

Groundwater was almost non-existent due to a dry winter which was not offset by the usual spring rainfall. Spring was idyllic, without frost and with temperatures in line with the average in the area until veraison. From then on warm weather was the norm until harvest. Vines planted in low-retention soils suffered a bit while the rest underwent a slow and steady ripening process. Rainfall at the end of September helped to finish the cycle on a positive note. The wines show good levels of concentration and color and sometimes feel fresher than those from 2011, though acidity is moderate due to the warm weather. The palates are rich, with ripe tannins and good aging potential. There is a golden period of particularly good vintages in Ribera between 2009 and 2012.

Although winter was cooler and wetter than average, the rest of the cycle was dry and sunny. The hot temperatures kicked off in March, leading to an early bud break. With no incidence of frost or hail, the summer was warmer and drier than in previous years, resulting in extremely healthy grapes. Except for a few episodes of dehydration, it was a relaxed vintage that enabled the vines to achieve full ripeness with round, voluptuous tannins. The wines are deep-colored, powerful, and concentrated, yet balanced. The best examples also show good levels of acidity and have excellent aging potential. Many producers found similarities with 2005. The vintage was rated "Excellent."

2010 is considered a model vintage and one of the best in the 21st century. Vines benefited from good water resources present in the subsoil. Following a severe winter, spring frosts delayed the cycle, but the pleasant weather from veraison onwards helped to make up for lost time. The ripening season was blessed with generous sun and notable temperature variations between day and night providing both ripeness and acidity. The wines show impressive balance and have a great deal of everything, including fully ripe tannins and outstanding length. They continue to develop beautifully, and the best have plenty of aging potential. Unsurprisingly, the Regulatory Council awarded 2010 an “Excellent” vintage rating.