Rioja:Ribera Vintages

Question 1

1982

Answer 1

A very great year, the best since 1970, with plenty of Reserva wines.

Question 2

1986

Answer 2

Good in Rioja but outshone by Riberas of complexity and power.

Question 3

1989

Answer 3

Plenty of rich and charming wines from both regions.

Question 4

1991

Answer 4

An excellent year in Spain, only a small crop but impressive weight and structure.

Question 5

1994

Answer 5

Quality isn’t a problem but quantity is after spring frosts and summer drought. Some very nice wines indeed.

Question 6

1996

Answer 6

Particularly successful in Ribera del Duero, where ripe, relatively friendly wines were made.

Question 7

2004

Answer 7

Very good year, especially for Rioja, with wines that should last well.

Question 8

2005

Answer 8

Another good vintage with high temperatures but with (just) enough rain.

Question 9

2008

Answer 9

Very good quality for Rioja, with favourable weather throughout autumn. In Ribera del Duero, temperatures were cooler than normal, giving a slow, balanced ripening process and elegant wines as a result.

Question 10

2009

Answer 10

Very hot conditions gave average temperatures above the infamous 2003 vintage. However, timely rains in Rioja and Ribera del Duero relieved the vines and rescued the vintage. Very good quality.

Question 11

2010

Answer 11

Exceptional for Ribera del Duero with no excessive weather patterns, uniform ripeness and quality as promising as 2004. Good quality in Rioja also, considered better than 2009.

Question 12

2016

Answer 12

Unlike Catalunya, Rioja enjoyed an abundant harvest – the largest since 2005, and many producers had to discard fruit to meet the permitted yield. Quality is excellent, with modest alcohol, full ripeness, relatively light tannins, good aromatic range and no bitterness. In Ribera del Duero, the outlook is also positive, with quality as good as the strong 2015 vintage.