Pascual satisfied with Rioja harvest

Published: 23 July, 2008

This year's final Rioja grape harvest is of a high quality, according to the Control Board President.

Victor Pascual Artacho, head of the Control Board of the Denominacin de Origen Calificada (D.O.Ca), said the harvest from November 2 would produce a good vintage.

The technical expertise and professionalism of the region's growers plus good weather conditions boosted the final stages of crop maturation, he added.

Despite overall yield dropping slightly - the 412 million kg crop was 2.2% down on 2006 figures - quality was higher with the D.O.Ca approving 391 million kg of grapes.

For the first time ever, the Control Board was able to set aside 10% of the maximum yield as holding stock to guard against the possibility of smaller harvests in future.

The harvest was spread over a longer period this year running from September 3 for two months, which allowed a more extensive and selective approach for the picking of the crop.

Evidence of rot was negligible with grape quality consisting of a fine balance of potential alcohol, phenolics and acidity.

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