1991 Spain

A good quality in Northern Spain, although yields were significantly lower than normal. In Rioja the weather was fine throughout most of the growing season, although the edge was taken off the vintage by the heavy rainfalls in late September. Harvesting was delayed by a week because of the rains and the accompanying cold weather. However, fully ripe grapes were picked and some succulently fruity and long-lived Riojas have been produced.

In Ribera del Duero the growing season was warm and dry and an uneventful harvest produced balanced, well-structured and complex wines which possess excellent ageing potential. However, yields were down 20% from 1990.