The white grape harvest of new vine plantations in the Rueda A.O. area reached record levels of up to 52,680,000 Kilos.

The great aromatic potential of AO Rueda white wines from this harvest is brought by the slow ripening of Verdejo grape and August and September cool temperatures.



Upon completion of AO Rueda harvest, a new historical record was set for white grape production. Compared with 2006, the amount of picked grapes is increased by 24.2%. Such as an increase is chiefly due to the 23.7% increase of registered vineyard area, going from 6,522 ha, in 2006, to 8,072 ha in the current campaign. Also worthwhile mentioning is the rain fell during August and harvesting time as this led to higher bunch weights. On the other hand, damages caused by the pine voles pest have affected bush-trained vines in terms of cutting down yields, especially those of Viura variety, including some hail damage in Segovia province.

By grape variety, Verdejo is the most significant of AO Rueda with 37,500,000 Kilos picked which implies a 33% increase compared with last year. The reason is the increase in hectares of bearing vines these past years. In fact a 76% of registered vineyards of this Appellation corresponds to its main and native variety.


The gentle and cool temperatures typical of this summer, which led to the slow ripeness of grapes, contributed to a late harvest, the ideal condition for very aromatic white wines with a perfect acidity-sugar balance. Accordingly, quality prospects for this new harvest that would be launched on the market in the following months of November/December are outstanding.

Harvest in Rueda A.O. began on September 10. The heavy rain fell from October 13 (over 70 l/m2) stopped harvesting work and eventually ended on past October 27. With the mechanized means, 80% of grape production was picked with harvesting machines, which represents up to 90% of Verdejo variety and 98% of Sauvignon Blanc.

Five new wineries have joined Rueda AO over the current campaign: Mª Jesús de la Hoz Monsalve, S.L. (Rueda), Sitios de Bodega, S.L. (Rueda), Bodegas PradoRey, S.L. (Rueda), Sociedad Cooperativa Bodegas Reina de Castilla (La Seca) and Bodega Matarromera, S.L. –Emina (Medina del Campo). Rueda A.O. is already made up by 51 wineries.