The vine goes through several vegetative phases during its annual cycle. We are now in phases G and H, Bunches and Separated Flower Buds respectively; these phases precede flowering and are characterized by well-developed bunches and, in some cases, clearly separated flower buds. This last stage appears around a month after budbreak.

At Quinta da Raza, these phases are important stages in the cycle because they mark the moment when we can estimate the yield of the next harvest, a moment that causes the grower some anxiety and emotion every year.

It's also at this time that the leaves are analyzed to see if the plant has any nutritional deficiencies. Analysis of the petioles makes it possible to assess the vine's assimilation levels, right at the start of spring, of all the elements essential for its growth and also, later on, for the ripening of its grapes (potassium, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium, etc.).

It is during these phases that the plant's growth is at its highest and you can almost see the branches growing, such is the plant's "will" to develop. The growth rate will accelerate until flowering and then slow down until the plant is dormant again.

But not everything is perfect, it is at this time that the plant is more sensitive to attack by its natural enemies, namely fungi, but also by some insects that eat the new shoots, it is therefore a time for extra care on the part of the producer and once again, weather forecasts are extremely important so that the producer can anticipate all the care to be taken with the plants.

The cycle will not stop here and nature will continue its path towards its objective, which is the production of seeds so that a new generation of vines can germinate. Fortunately for all oenophiles, the maturation of the seeds also leads to the maturation of the fruits and this gives us the possibility of transforming them into the most iconic drink ever created by human beings, the WINE.

Cheers!