2020

The 2020 season will be characterized by its extremely low yields, which are a direct result of the climatic conditions of the year. The extreme conditions of 2020 have similarities with the 2009 and 1820 Harvest, where sugar levels reached extraordinarily high levels.

After three consecutive years of below-average rainfall during the dormant period, November and December 2019 saw significant rainfall, replenishing land reserves. The rest of the dormant period was dry and warm, with high minimum temperatures resulting in the earliest bud burst in 18 years, in Pinhão on March 3.

It became clear early in the growing season that the very low bud fertility would result in a low production year. With fewer bunches per vine, hopes remained for a balanced growing season with reasonable production. The four-month growing season (March to June) remained warm and with regular rainfall in March and April, we ensured sufficient water reserves to withstand the rest of the season. However, this regular rainfall required continued control of downy mildew (April and May) and powdery mildew (May and June).

The first signs of flowering in the A-class vineyards were registered on May 4, confirming the advanced development of the vines. Then, on June 22, there was an abrupt change in the weather, and the next day maximum temperatures reached 40.75ºC and relative humidity dropped to 13%. This caused sunburn on the more exposed berries and trusses, further reducing the already expected low yields.

Veraison (the stage of growth when the grapes begin to ripen and discolor) occurred in early July, in what would be recorded as the hottest July since 1931, when measurements began. The average temperature for July was 28.19º C compared to the 2005-2019 average of 24.7º C

August was milder (-0.5ºC below average) and in mid-August the vines were remarkably well preserved. The low yields in combination with the good water reserves from the winter and spring led to rapid ripening. It rained 21mm in mid-August, further contributing to the ripening process, and at the end of August there was a visible change in the preservation of the grapes.