Our main concern is in emphasising the individuality of the year. The vintage is the key event for the winery; in Valdeorras it begins in the middle of September when the Godello grapes have reached maximum ripeness but we start closely monitoring the development of the fruit from the end of August. We examine each parcel of vines daily, and stagger the vintage accordingly.

Irrespective of whether the vineyards belong to us or to other growers, all the grapes are gathered by hand by a team of experienced pickers. They reject any sub-standard fruit, guaranteeing maximum quality. A second selection is made on reception in the winery itself.

The picked grapes are put into plastic crates of 15 Kg capacity so that they remain whole, and are transported in refrigerated lorries to the winery where unripe or damaged fruit is picked out by hand. Speed of transport is essential to avoid oxidation of the Godello but the close proximity of the vineyards to the winery, coupled with the temperature control, prevents any deterioration and guarantees the health of the grapes.

The vintage becomes a family event at Pedrouzos, a special act of common effort. It takes place in stages, according to the ripeness of the fruit.