Climate is a key factor in agriculture. At ZINIO Bodegas, we believe that the soul of wine begins in the vineyard. Each grape cluster reflects the climate in which it has grown, and in a place like Uruñuela, in the heart of Rioja Alta, the local climate plays a key role in creating wines that are balanced, fresh, and full of character.

The climate not only determines the quantity of grapes, but also their quality, acidity, aromatic complexity, and phenolic structure. Below, we explain the 5 key ways in which Rioja Alta’s climate shapes the vineyard and defines the quality of each vintage.

1. Winter: Essential Rest for the Vine

During winter, the vine enters dormancy. In Uruñuela, the cold winter helps the plant rest and recover, which is crucial for maintaining its natural balance. The accumulation of chilling hours ensures that buds develop properly in spring.

This is also when we carry out winter pruning, a key manual task to regulate yield and prepare the vine structure for the upcoming season. A stable winter climate prevents fungal diseases and promotes vineyard health.

2. Spring: Budburst with Uncertainty

Spring brings new life to the vineyard—but also risk. Although Rioja Alta usually experiences mild temperatures, late frosts can threaten tender young shoots. At ZINIO, we use techniques like late pruning and climate monitoring to mitigate these risks.

This is also the flowering and fruit set stage: favorable weather ensures that flowers turn into uniform clusters. Excessive wind or rain at this point can reduce fruit set and affect yield quality.

3. Summer: Slow, Expressive Ripening

Summer is a decisive period for grape quality. In Rioja Alta, we benefit from warm days and cool nights, which allow for slow and even ripening. This balance helps retain natural acidity and promotes the development of complex aromas.

Thermal amplitude is key to producing fresh wines with structure and aging potential. We manage vineyard stress carefully, using cover crops and adjusting crop load by parcel and season.

4. Autumn: Harvest Timed by the Climate

Harvest time in Rioja Alta often extends thanks to dry, mild autumns. At ZINIO Bodegas, we use this opportunity to carry out a manual, selective harvest, picking each parcel at its optimal ripening point.

Autumn weather allows us to harvest with precision, balancing sugar levels, acidity, and phenolic maturity. This approach results in more defined wines that faithfully reflect each vintage.

5. Adapting to Climate Change: Building Resilient Vineyards

Climate patterns are changing, and at ZINIO Bodegas we’re adapting to protect vineyard quality:

• • Using drought-resistant rootstocks

  • Planting cover crops to retain soil moisture and boost biodiversity

  • Green pruning to manage sun exposure

  • Real-time weather monitoring to make informed decisions in the field

These practices help ensure that our vineyards continue to produce exceptional grapes, even under challenging conditions.

Conclusion: Climate as a Defining Element of Our Wines

The vineyard is a direct reflection of its climate. In Uruñuela, the conditions of Rioja Alta not only influence vine growth, but also shape the style and identity of every wine we make.

At ZINIO Bodegas, we work with deep respect for nature, adapting to its rhythms to craft authentic wines rooted in their origin. Because we know that great wine begins long before the harvest—with the climate, the land, and the vine.

Want to taste how all of this comes together in the bottle?
Explore our collection of wines made from hand-harvested grapes in Uruñuela:
ziniobodegas.com/tienda

To learn more about the world of wine, DOCa Rioja, and our winery, feel free to visit our blog every Thursday and follow us on social media: @ziniobodegas.