Spain's wine regions Jumilla and Montilla‑Moriles start early harvest

On July 27, Viñedos y Bodegas Asensio Carcelén in the DOP Jumilla began its vendimia, picking the early‑ripening Syrah variety in the Paraje de la Cañada del Judío, marking the earliest start recorded for the zone. The early harvest follows a warm spell and aims to preserve optimal sugar, acidity and phenolic balance for quality wines.

In the neighboring Cordoban zone of Montilla‑Moriles, the growers’ association reported a forecast of about 32 million kg of grapes – roughly 50 % more than the previous year, which suffered from downy mildew. The season, described as the earliest in Europe, has already started with early white varieties such as Moscatel, with red varieties and the native Pedro Ximénez to follow later in the campaign.