The 2024 harvest in our Nivarius, Proelio and Trus wineries has been marked by climatic factors that have challenged the process, but have also allowed us to obtain high quality grapes. In the wineries of Palacios Vinos de Finca, both in Rioja and Ribera, the grapes were harvested slightly later than usual. Below, winemakers Raúl Tamayo, from Rioja, and Rafa García, in Ribera del Duero, give us a detailed overview of this campaign.

Harvest 2024 in Rioja: finesse as a seal of identity

This year's harvest in Rioja has been characterised by a low production, but of excellent quality. Raúl Tamayo, oenologist of the Rioja wineries Nivarius and Proelio, points out that the 2024 vintage can be defined as ‘a vintage of great finesse’. The weather conditions, particularly the rains at the beginning of the season, slowed down the ripening of the grapes at first. However, in the end, the rains and the reduced amount of grapes on the plants allowed for full ripening, achieving a quality similar to that of previous years.

One of the main challenges has been to find the balance between acidity and sugar in the grapes, a crucial aspect to achieve the characteristic profile of our wines. The abundant rains in June reduced flowering, which, with less grapes, accelerated the balance of ripeness. This constant control in the field has been key to meet the challenges of this season.

As for the profile of the wines, Tamayo highlights that the 2024 vintage presents a unique elegance. The wines are expected to have a less robust structure and controlled alcohol levels, resulting in fine and balanced wines, which will offer an aromatic and sensory experience without excesses, with excellent drinkability.

In line with the winery's philosophy, production is based on respect for the environment, caring for and protecting the soil. Thus, no synthetic chemical products are used in the vineyard, a practice that allows the soils to be naturally fertile, preserving the authenticity of the land. This, together with a constant respect for biodiversity, allows each bottle to bottle the very essence of each soil.

Vintage 2024 in Ribera del Duero: balance and adaptation

In Ribera del Duero, the 2024 harvest began on 18 September and ended on 11 October, a week later than the average of previous years. Rafa García, winemaker at Bodegas Trus, explains that this delay was due to an exceptionally rainy season, with rainfall exceeding 600 litres per year, the wettest year in the last 15 years. In addition, frost at bud break reduced the harvest by 20%, but also helped the plants to adapt without suffering water stress during the cycle.

The main challenges in the vineyard were related to plant vigour, favoured by constant rainfall. This required intensive work in the field to manage vegetative development and maintain grape health. According to García, this year there has been exhaustive monitoring of each plot, intervening at the precise moments to optimise grape development.

As for the characteristics of this year's grapes in Ribera del Duero, according to the winemaker, they have a very balanced profile, with an excellent balance between acidity, alcohol and tannins. However, this vintage stands out for its higher acidity compared to previous years.

Currently, the wines from the 2024 vintage are beginning the malolactic fermentation process, and the racking will also begin so that the wines can enter the ageing phase.

To conclude we can conclude that the 2024 vintage has brought with it a harvest of outstanding quality in both Rioja and Ribera del Duero, although each region has faced specific challenges. In Rioja, the finesse and elegance of the grapes stand out as a hallmark, while in Ribera del Duero, the vintage is defined by an excellent balance. Both appellations agree that the 2024 wines will reflect a deep respect for the terroir and a commitment to sustainability, as hallmarks of Palacios Vinos de Finca.