Climatic conditions

After a very wet winter and early spring, the registered rainfall up to August in the Cima Corgo – Pinhão was approx 1000mm, some 45% higher than the average for this sub region of the Douro.

A gradual build up of heat during the late spring led to higher than normal temperatures in the summer with a severe heat wave during the last 3 days of July and the first 2 weeks of August. Maximum daytime temperatures were well above 40ºC with low relative humidity.

Although the vines were under normal conditions with adequate water reserves until mid July, the subsequent heat wave put them under severe stress sapping the moisture and affecting their maturation pattern. The less exposed north facing vineyards fared best.