The fifth control bulletin of the maturation of the 2026 harvest, prepared by the Regulatory Council of the DOCa Rioja, includes representative information from the entire set of areas of the Denomination. This will be the last report of the campaign that includes data from municipalities located in Navarre territory.
The vegetative cycle of the vine continues to be conditioned by the persistence of very high temperatures, although, for the moment, the vineyard maintains a good sanitary state across the DOCa Rioja.
According to the samples studied, the average weight of the berry remains, in general terms, without significant variations. However, some values below those recorded the previous week have been detected in the three subzones, an effect directly related to the continuity of high temperatures.
Likewise, a generalized increase in the probable alcoholic degree of the grape is observed throughout the Denomination, with figures that, in global terms, already exceed those observed at the end of the 2025 harvest.
A general reduction in total acidity and malic acid has also been observed, in line with the usual evolution of the maturation process, along with a slight decrease in pH.
The indicators of phenolic maturity show an increase and a positive evolution.
In light of the extreme temperatures expected in the coming days, the Regulatory Council advises special monitoring of those vineyards most vulnerable to this type of meteorological situations.