The Castell d’Or cooperatives kick off a harvest that is expected to be “optimal”

Grapes are expected with a high alcohol level, phenolic ripeness, and excellent acidity.

Most of the 16 cooperatives that make up the Castell d’Or group have already begun, or will soon begin, one of the most significant stages of the year: the harvest. This year, a crop clearly superior to last year’s is anticipated, both in quality and in overall yield.

After the severe, and even historic, rainfall deficit of 2021, 2022, and 2023 (2024 turned out to be rainy or normal across most of the territory), 2025 has been marked by a very favorable weather shift. Rainfall has been abundant and above the historical average recorded at weather stations in Catalonia. Moreover, it has been evenly distributed throughout the winter, spring (making it one of the rainiest in recent decades in Catalonia), and summer. Altogether, this has helped offset much of the water deficit accumulated over the past years, though full recovery has not yet been achieved.

These conditions have fostered vigorous vegetative growth and well-nourished vines, with optimal water reserves. “Thanks to the rains, we see that the vines are revitalized and in a sanitary state not seen in years,” says Jordi Amell, the Group’s CEO. He adds: “We expect grapes with high potential alcohol content, phenolic ripeness, and excellent acidity: the ideal conditions to produce wines and sparkling wines of great quality and character.”

The balanced climate, without extreme heatwaves, has also contributed to slower and more even ripening, resulting in aromatic, flavorful, and higher-quality grapes, always taking into account the uniqueness of each variety.

At Castell d’Or, an excellent-quality harvest is expected across all the Group’s cooperatives —located in Penedès, Conca de Barberà, and Alt Camp— with higher volumes than in previous years, depending on each territory’s particular conditions.

Amell also highlighted “the effort of farmers during these difficult years and the need to value their work,” adding that “it is essential to establish a fair model that guarantees price stability and ensures the future of the wine sector, taking into account the reality of both cooperatives and the private sector.”