Rioja harvest in but much smaller than normal.
Exceptionally dry hot weather has made for early ripening and record picking times for Rioja. The harvesting has begun a fortnight earlier than in 2010. Total yield at Bodegas Bilbaínas is 15% to 25% less due to very little rain in the past three months. But it's quality not quantity and this years Rioja is said to be looking quite nice - powerful wines with good alcoholic degree and reasonably good balance, but rather short on length.