Catalunya Vintage Chart: 2005 to 2018

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.