Winter brings with it a new phase in the vine cycle. The last leaves fall and the plant enters a period of rest known as dormancy. Over the next few months, we will dedicate ourselves to pruning, marking the beginning of a new cycle. Meanwhile, our focus is on the 2023 harvest and the results obtained. We are excited to present our new vintages and want to share what you can expect from our new wines.
2023 Harvest Report in Cerro Chapeu: climatic impacts, harvest size and characteristics of the vintage
The 2023 harvest in Cerro Chapeu has been marked by various climatic factors and their impact on the development of grapes and wine production. In this report, we will present an overview of weather impacts during the spring, summer and harvest season, as well as the size of the crop compared to last year and the long-term average. We will also share a summary of the style of the wines from this vintage.
Climate impacts
During the spring, we experienced a cold winter with some meteorological frosts in the north of the region, which affected approximately 5% of the buds in September. However, spring developed with normal rains, providing suitable conditions for the growth of the vines. As for the summer, we had below-normal rainfall in the months of November, December and January. Although the rains were scarce, they occurred at opportune times, benefiting the development of the grapes. Furthermore, thanks to our deep soils, the roots of the vines were able to explore in search of water, mitigating the water stress experienced in other regions of Uruguay. Although we faced extreme daily temperatures in January, the cooler nights in the area helped maintain balance in the ripening of the grapes.
Crop size
Regarding the size of the harvest, a slight decrease was observed compared to last year and the long-term average. According to data provided by Danny Mayo, our winemaker, kilos per hectare decreased approximately 10-15% compared to the previous year. However, it is important to highlight that the white grapes had a good development in this vintage.
Characteristics of the vintage
The 2023 vintage at Cerro Chapeu is characterized by wines of quality and concentration. As Danny Mayo highlights: "Although the current vintage shows a decrease in kilos per hectare, the white grapes achieved good development and we are very happy with the results. In general, the quality of the wines is maintained, highlighting the identity and characteristics of our region."
Conclusion
In the 2023 harvest at Cerro Chapeu, climate impacts played a significant role. Despite the climatic challenges, we managed to obtain quality wines and maintain the characteristic style of our winery. It is important to highlight that during the 2023 harvest, Cerro Chapeu remained committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Our region, recognized for its environmental purity according to the environmental sustainability indices of Columbia and Yale universities, drives us to continue taking care of our vineyards and the natural environment that surrounds us.