Rioja closes: 333.75m kg, +108m on 2025
DOCa Rioja’s ordinary harvest closed after an early 6 August start with 333.75 million kg — about 108 million more than 2025 and the biggest crop since 2023. DG Pablo Franco credits joint effort to hold grape prices and flags whites and young reds for restocking.
Ordinary pick is closed across DOCa Rioja. The numbers are loud again.
The Consejo Regulador put the ordinary harvest at 333.75 million kilograms — roughly 108 million more than the short 2025 crop, and the biggest haul since 2023 (when the zone topped 384 million). About 87% was red fruit, 13% white. By zone: Rioja Alta 152.7 million kg, Rioja Oriental 100.69 million, Rioja Alavesa 80.33 million. Work started as early as 6 August; peak days 10–11 September each moved more than 21.5 million kilos.
Director general Pablo Franco told COPE the sector showed “joint responsibility” to keep grape prices and grower returns inside today’s market. Whites and young reds matter now: both ran thin after two lean years, and Franco calls white wine a lever in Rioja’s strategic plan while young reds speak to drinkers who want freshness and lift.
Heat forced tight picking windows; cool nights at the finish helped the last fruit land as what Franco called a “jewel.” Volume is back. The next test is whether price and cellar stocks move together.
Mini-concept: a harvest that recovers kilos only works if the kilos still pay — volume without price is just a heavier winter.
Keep: a flavoured can never waited for San Mateo. A Rioja bottle did — choose one whose fruit still funds the grower.
Remember: 333.75m kg (+108m vs 2025); ~87% red / 13% white; Alta 152.7 / Oriental 100.69 / Alavesa 80.33; start 6 Aug; Franco — joint price effort; whites + young reds to restock.
Source: COPE La Rioja