The seasons of the year are a key factor in the quality of our wines, while also transforming the landscape month by month.
It all begins in spring, with the first buds, followed by the summer heat that ripens our fruit, and then autumn—the most important and celebrated season in the world of wine.
We finish with winter, a time of calm and preparation for the new cycle.
WINTER: CALM AND REST
After the frenetic autumn, winter arrives with the calm and rest of the fields—an essential phase in the vine’s cycle. During this period, key tasks are carried out to prepare the vineyard, such as pruning, which is done carefully and by hand to ensure each vine has the buds permitted by the Regulatory Council of the DOCa Rioja.
This is also a time for maintenance work if needed, while we reflect on the past harvest, analyze results, and plan for the new cycle that is now beginning.
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SPRING: THE REBIRTH
With the arrival of spring, the vineyards are reborn after the winter calm, beginning a new cycle. Temperatures gradually rise, and the “bleeding” of the vines signals the budding that will eventually become the new leaves of this cycle.
Essential tasks are carried out during this stage, such as shoot thinning, which removes part of the vine’s vegetation to ensure better growth potential.
This phase is crucial for the volume and quality of the future harvest.
SUMMER: LIFE AND COLOR
Summer arrives with rising temperatures. This brings the vines into one of the most magical moments of the year: veraison, the process by which grapes begin to change color until they reach their final hue. During this phase, the grapes also become sweeter, and all these indicators are closely monitored, as every decision from this point forward influences the wine we will ultimately obtain after the harvest.
Work continues in the vineyard during summer, including cluster thinning, which allows us to reduce production so that the harvest meets yield targets and achieves the best possible quality. We also work hand in hand with the weather, adjusting irrigation to ensure that in this key stage, our grapes reflect the best of our land and our labor.
AUTUMN: THE GOLDEN STAGE
The landscape turns red and gold as we enter autumn—the end of the cycle—when we can gather the fruits of our year-long effort and work, reflected in the quality and soul of our future wines.
Harvest time arrives. Weekly samples are taken to determine the optimal moment for picking, when the grapes have reached a perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and phenolic compounds.
Finally, it’s a time for review, ensuring everything is in optimal condition as this cycle ends and a new one begins.
To learn more about the world of wine, the DOCa Rioja, and our winery, don’t hesitate to visit our blog every Thursday and follow us on social media: @ziniobodegas.