There is a concept related to the very important weather in the Ribera del Duero area. So much that it conditions the ripening of the grapes and, therefore, the final result that culminates in our red wines. We refer to the heat summation. Do you know what it means? We tell you in this post!
The heat summation is a very significant feature that takes place in the vineyards of the Ribera del Duero and that is closely related to the weather conditions of this wonderful area in which most of the vineyards of Bodegas Arzuaga settle. And that thermal contrasts are very pronounced in the Duero basin, especially in summer, with very high temperatures during the day that fall to 20 degrees during the night. This descent means that at night, the plant rests and can be activated again during the day, to conclude with a slow and progressive ripening.
And the climate is something that marks the character of the riverside and the inhabitants of the Douro Valley. And, naturally, the character of the Ribera del Duero wines is undoubtedly conditioned by these thermal contrasts as well. Although this extreme hardness may surprise, it is important to note that together with severe frosts and other inclement conditions, all this intervenes emphatically in the vegetative cycles of the vine.
The vines are nourished by that land and, as a good woody crop, they absorb outside the temperatures that are going to determine the vegetative cycle, and the grapes of the Ribera del Duero as a result. They have an extraordinary DNA that allows us to talk about colour, aromas and a great balance, which is the same as a good foundation of polyphenols, anthocyanins and the exact levels of acidity and alcohol. But in addition, the thermal contrasts that affect the grape give the Ribera del Duero wines its biggest strength: the ability to age, the resistance to time. When we have a red Arzuaga wine with several years in front of us, it is still striking the first look always shows purple or violet traces that announce their resistance over the years.
As you can see, the heat summation is essential to obtain the quality wines that define us. For this reason, among others, in Arzuaga we continue betting on the Ribera del Duero as the cradle of our vineyards. We know that there is no better place to pursue with our wine project.