26 Mar Spring begins in the vineyard and in your glass: fresh winesfor longer days
Spring is already being felt in the vineyard. After the winter rest, the vine slowly awakens, beginning one of the most delicate and exciting moments of the growth cycle.
Right now, in the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, the vines are in the bud swelling stage. The buds are starting to swell, and almost without noticing, the first shoots appear. This is the visible beginning of a new vintage.
This moment sets the rhythm for everything that will follow. The plant reactivates, the root system resumes its function, and the vine starts growing strongly, shaped by the climate, the soil, and careful vineyard management. It’s a brief, but decisive, stage.
Bud Swelling: the first sign of life
Bud swelling is the phase in which the buds, closed all winter, begin to swell.
At first glance, the vine may still seem dormant, but internally, the plant is already active. Sap starts circulating, temperatures rise slightly, and the vine prepares to grow.
It’s a very delicate moment, as any sudden change—such as a late frost—can directly affect the plant’s development.
Shoot Emergence: the vineyard turns green
Soon after comes shoot emergence. The buds open, and the first green shoots appear, small and fragile, which will develop into shoots, leaves, and eventually clusters.
The vineyard changes completely. What a few weeks ago was bare wood now begins to fill with life.
Shoot emergence is not only the visible start of the new vintage, it also largely determines the vine’s potential. The number and quality of the shoots will influence the balance of the plant and shape the entire growth cycle.
A new cycle… also in the glass
This awakening of the vine coincides with a natural shift in how we enjoy wine. Days grow longer, temperatures soften, and we naturally look for fresher, lighter, and more lively wines.
At this time of year, two Dominio de Berzal wines are especially suited:
Parcelas Viura, a white that expresses freshness and balance, with an acidity that adds tension and lengthens the finish. Perfect for appetizers, light meals, or simply enjoying in the sun.
Graciano, a red with a more agile and vibrant profile, marked by a fresh touch that makes it unique and very versatile at this time of year.
What we see today in the vineyard—the small shoot just breaking through—is the origin of everything that will come.
Spring doesn’t just start a new cycle in the vineyard. It also shapes the style of the wines we enjoy in this season: fresh, balanced, and lively.
