2012 harvest

After the huge potential revealed by our wines from 2011, there were high expectations about the 2012 harvest. At various places in the Douro region, there was great interest about how this year would turn out after 2011. The first months of 2012 were unusually cold and dry for this time of the year. But the wait for rain ended in April, with heavy downpours all around the country. This late rain required extra care to prevent phytosanitary diseases, but it was enough to bring forward budburst and the vine growth cycle, which was roughly two weeks late compared to 2011. Flowering and maturity occurred under higher temperatures and drier weather, and higher rates of coulure were recorded above all due to the low soil water levels. Although the planned and real production was lower than the previous year, grape maturation was smooth thanks to temperature variations and rainfall between May and July. Summer was cooler than usual, with cold nights at the end of August, culminating in a long harvest stretching throughout October. Quality was very good with highly acidic musts coupled with good structure and intense fresh fruit aromas.