2014 Harvest Report
This year began with a very cold spring, resulting in historic frosts in many of the valleys, especially the coastal areas. Due to this, we saw a significant decline among the white varieties such as Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. The frost also delayed the budding of the vines throughout the valleys.
The first stages of growth were also slow, leading to blooms with balanced vigor that did not require pruning. The fruit set period was marked by low temperatures as well, which generated small, well-positioned bunches in balance with the plant ́s growth, indicating a lower yield, but of excellent quality.
January was a hot month that encouraged the plants ́ growth, allowing them to achieve normal vigor and optimal development of the clusters, hence an even and healthy veraison. February was a bit cooler, preserving the grapes ́ natural acidity and developing delicate, intense aromas. Temperatures rebounded in March, which greatly helped in the final maturation period. That, along with smaller yields, allowed us to harvest earlier than the year before, all the while maintaining greater acidity with intense and delicate aromas due to the cold.
As a result of the absence of rains, medium vigor and balanced crop productions, this was an extremely healthy harvest; botritis was a word never mentioned during this harvest.
The harvest began with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from the Maule and Colchagua Valleys; and then to Casablanca and Bío-Bío, launching us into full harvest mode, adding Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Viognier. Around mid-March we began to harvest Merlot and the first Cabernets, along with the other red varieties. And as always, in May we harvested the cold-climate Syrahs, as well as the last bit of Carmenere before closing the curtain on this vintage.
With once again extraordinary climate conditions, perfect for the production of high quality wines, we were able to harvest at the winemakers ́ wishes without any problems. The 2014 vintage had an excellent harvest, which will surely be remembered for the quality of its wines.