Catalunya Vintage Chart: 2005 to 2023
2023
Although 2023 was a warm year, maximum temperatures did not reach the same extremes as recent vintages. However, drought was a major factor – exacerbated by an ongoing water deficit than began in 2020. Lack of water affected budbreak, with some vines failing to produce any growth. For those that did bud, shoots grew insignificantly, with measurements of just 30 cm in Penedès! In Priorat, the grapes were harvested in early August – one of the earliest harvests in living memory.
2022
A year of heat waves and extreme temperatures. There were many weeks with maximum temperatures above 40ºC.
2021
A very dry year. Thanks to water reserves accumulated in 2020, the vineyards did not suffer long-term damage. However, the heat waves were intense and long, which caused stress during ripening.
2020
A challenging vintage. Non-stop rain from March to June led to issues with flowering. Fungal pressure was high throughout the season with widespread outbreaks of downy mildew. In Priorat, around 70% of production was lost. While parallels have been drawn to 2002, 2020 was further complicated by COVID-19 protocols!
2019
Considered a top year for wine in Catalunya from Penedès to Priorat! Quality has not been this high since 2010 and 2013 due to frequent heat waves – which have increased in intensity since 2015. 2019 provided good distribution of rainfall throughout the year and balanced conditions.
2018
Higher volumes blessed Catalunya in 2018, and while it couldn’t be described as a cool year, some producers in Priorat describe slower ripening with great natural balance of acidity and flavour, and marginally lower alcohols.
2017
As for much of Europe, the frost didn’t spare northern Spain, reducing the yield by 17% overall. Heat and drought followed, resulting in particular concentration in the grapes. Achieving structural balance may prove challenging, but there should be no shortage of flavour intensity.
2016
Drought conditions throughout the year led to low yields across Catalunya. The small berries have resulted in very high intensity, with local grape varieties generally performing better than international varieties. Quality is good, even if yields were not, and they are not wines for long-term maturation.
2015
Priorat and Montsant escaped the harvest rains unscathed in 2015, and producers are very enthused about the quality. Potentially the best harvest of the last five years.
2014
Quite a lot of rot at harvest due to humid conditions. Together with modest temperatures throughout the summer, this is a lighter and fresher vintage – especially when compared with the more typically full 2013s.
2013
Very healthy fruit at harvest, with lots of promise across the varieties. Good quality from a warm season, and higher yields than in 2012.
2012
Greater elegance than 2011, with Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon thriving in the warm, dry conditions. Yields were down by up to 25% in some areas, however.
2011
Very hot throughout August and September, creating some dehydration. Immensely powerful wines with a great deal of flesh.
2010
Hot in early summer, becoming cooler toward the end, allowing slow and gradual ripening into autumn. Alcohol levels are rather lower than usual. Reds are better than whites.
2005
One of the best vintages of the decade.