2008 Grape Harvest in the Alt Emporda

This years harvest has been delayed several weeks here in Vilamaniscle in the foothills of the Albera natural park because of rain or cloud which has meant the grapes could not ripen completely. The garnatxa grapes were harvested last week and now is the turn of the syrah with the cabernet coming last. The quantities collected have generally been less than last year but the quality is still excellent and it should be a great vintage, at least in the Alt Emporda. Having said that a few weeks ago most of the soft fruit (apples and pears) and a few vines were completely wiped out by a freak hail storm slightly further south around Mollet and Sant Climent so those that survived are very happy to be producing anything at all this year!