Harvesting Tradition
Recent weeks at Remírez de Ganuza have been pivotal as the vineyard team dedicated themselves to the time-honored practice of handpicking grapes.
This meticulous selection is central to their reputation as a premier Rioja winery.
The philosophy remains clear: extraordinary wines originate from the finest grapes, which are carefully sourced from chosen vineyard sites.
This vision, first established by Fernando Remírez de Ganuza, is now carried on by the current owner and winemaker, José Urtasun.
Each harvest season at Remírez de Ganuza presents its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Year after year, varying environmental conditions create unique hurdles that the team must overcome to craft wines of exceptional quality.
The winery’s commitment to rigorous grape selection remains a hallmark of its craftsmanship, relying heavily on hand labor that significantly shapes the characteristics of the wines produced.
Facing the Elements
As the 2024 harvest approached, the vineyards experienced another series of challenging weather patterns, much like in previous years.
The resilience of older vines, known for their ability to withstand environmental stress, became a significant advantage during this period.
July brought scorching temperatures and a lack of rainfall, reminiscent of past seasons.
However, the cool mornings provided a brief respite for the grapes.
Head winemaker Jesús Mendoza noted that veraison, the color change in grapes, began around July 23rd—almost ten days later than usual—largely due to the ongoing water shortages.
The harsh heat and drought continued into August, further delaying grape ripening.
Fortunately, the end of August ushered in storms that released much-needed rainfall, topping 50 to 70 liters per square meter in some regions.
This rain alleviated some water stress on the vines.
Nevertheless, September introduced its own set of complications, with unseasonably warm nights and unexpected rain as the month drew to a close.
A Judicious Harvest Strategy
On September 17th, the harvest kicked off, starting with the white grape varieties under particularly challenging conditions.
The team exercised meticulous care in selecting specific parcels, clusters, and individual berries.
Mendoza emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique potential of each grape—especially the red varietals vulnerable to the recent rains.
The blend of drought and stringent selection processes resulted in a notably smaller crop entering the winery, yet thanks to the team’s precise efforts, they managed to secure high-quality fruit.
As August progressed, both vineyard and winery crews mobilized for the demanding weeks ahead.
They meticulously inspected equipment, and biweekly visits to the vineyards allowed them to monitor the grapes’ phenolic and technical maturation.
As harvest drew closer, an array of decisions—both minor and critical—started to crystallize.
The arduous nature of the 2024 harvest underscored the need for teamwork, expertise, and dedication, as each member aligned their efforts to tackle the challenges laid out by nature.
This combination of technical skill and personal commitment empowered Remírez de Ganuza to devise an intensive and precise harvesting schedule.
While the process was exceptionally rigorous this year, the outcome was remarkable.
Mendoza commented on the lower yields—approximately 30% less than average—yet he remained optimistic about the potential for exceptional fermentations ahead.
The dedicated work of the teams in both the vineyards and the winery has set the foundation for remarkable results.
In conclusion, the craftsmanship, dedication, and relentless attention to detail that characterize Remírez de Ganuza once again illuminate their commitment to producing some of the finest wines in Rioja.
Source: Decanter
