There are harvests that are remembered for what they were like. And others for when they began. The 2026 harvest belongs to both categories. Across our four wineries, we have experienced the earliest harvest in our history, shaped by exceptionally high temperatures and notably scarce rainfall, but also by grapes of extraordinary health and an appearance that gives us every reason to look forward to the wines now beginning to take shape.
This year, the vineyard calendar decided to move ahead. In Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Rías Baixas alike, the progression of the growing cycle led us to begin picking earlier than ever before. Heat accompanied the vineyards for much of the campaign, requiring us to monitor each plot even more closely. The response was excellent, and the dry, sunny weather allowed us to work calmly, waiting in each case for the moment our winemakers considered most appropriate. A truly tailor-made harvest, adapted to the needs of each vineyard.
At La Rioja Alta, S.A. and Torre de Oña, we experienced an exceptionally early harvest, but also a very satisfactory one in terms of quality. At Áster, in Ribera del Duero, the conditions were similar: high temperatures and an accelerated growing cycle demanded the utmost attention when deciding the exact moment to pick. In both regions, the grapes arrived at the winery in impeccable sanitary condition and with an exceptionally attractive appearance — two qualities that make us believe we may be looking at a vintage of great potential.
And at Lagar de Fornelos, in Rías Baixas, we also broke our own record. We began picking on 19 August in O Rosal and on 20 August in the Salnés Valley, the earliest dates in our history. After a first few days under excellent conditions, rainfall led us to temporarily pause the harvest between 23 and 30 August. Far from disrupting our plans, this break allowed us to work calmly in the winery and devote the necessary time to the first musts. When we resumed picking, the vineyards responded remarkably well, allowing us to wait for the optimum moment in each plot.
The result has also given us something particularly interesting: two harvest moments, producing two different yet complementary profiles. On the one hand, wines that are more vertical, citrus-driven, fresh and tense; on the other, wines with greater volume, fruit expression and breadth on the palate. This diversity will give us interesting possibilities during blending, allowing us to seek the balance between freshness, tension, fruit and volume that we look for in our wines.
But a harvest cannot be explained simply by looking at the weather or the vineyards. Behind every crate of grapes are many people. This year, particularly during the hottest days, the effort made by our harvest teams has been extraordinary. We have done everything we can to look after them throughout the campaign, fully aware that their work, experience and dedication are an essential part of everything that happens between the first grape and the final bottle.
The harvest is now over. In the vineyards, the vines are gradually entering their period of rest, while a new chapter begins in the wineries. The first musts are developing, and our teams are observing, tasting and making decisions. It is still too early to know exactly what the 2026 vintage will ultimately tell us, but one thing is already clear: it has been an exceptional campaign in terms of timing, extraordinary for the health of the grapes and, above all, full of possibilities.
The vineyard has done its part. Now it is time for time to tell its story.
