Picking began on the 22nd under ideal climatic conditions. The fruit was at peak maturity, arriving in the winery at an optimum 18-20 degrees centigrade, with sugar readings consistently above 13º Baumé. At Quinta dos Malvedos the total production was 344 pipes compared to 614 pipes in 1996, a drop of 44%. A similar fall in production occurred in our finest Rio Torto properties.