Portugal : 2023, a vintage bursting with elegance

After a drought-stricken 2022, the 2023 vintage saw an atypical start, with a very mild and rainy winter, especially in January. However, with the spring came major water shortages and hot sunshine, and so bud-burst fell behind schedule. 

In May and June, rainfall (a cumulative total of 120mm over the 2 months) and moderate temperatures settled vine growth into a steadier rhythm. Fresh vigour was evident in the vines, reassuring us as to the Quality potential of the grapes to come.

The onset of summer was normal, with temperatures remaining moderate for the region and not stressing the plants.

These conditions also favoured the development of a few outbreaks of mildew and then powdery mildew, which were quickly brought under control.

Depending on the plot, the grapes finally ripened 5 to 10 days early. Harvesting of the white grapes, especially from the old Rabigato vines on granite, began on 24 August, followed by the first reds on the Almendra slopes.

2023 was one of the least dry years in the Douro in the past two decades, and this “helpful” rainfall allowed the grapes to reach a good level of ripeness, without any constraints or stunted growth, with well-developed tannins and very moderate alcohol levels. What was a fine, relatively cool season in Portugal has produced what promises to be a vintage full of elegance.

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