(TDB) - The severe late-spring frosts that swept through Europe last month wreaking havoc in its wine regions have damaged a broad swathe of vineyards in Rioja.

Speaking to the drinks business during the London Wine Fair this week, Carlos Delage, export area manager of Cune, said: “The frost damage was very bad in Rioja – Rioja Alta and Alavesa were worst hit. People have been speaking about damages to their vines of up to 50%.

“Luckily, 2014, 2015 and 2016 were big harvests for us, so things hopefully won’t be that bad. Those who will struggle most are the producers making entry-level wines. These were the worst frosts in Rioja since 1999 and we’re expecting grape prices to rise off the back of it.”

Fortunately for Delage, Cune’s jewel in the crown – its single vineyard Contino, escaped largely unscathed.

“Contino hasn’t been damaged – only the Malvasia vines in one corner of the vineyard took a hit. We’re lucky because we own plenty of land so we can work around it.”

Cune currently owns 450 hectares of vineyard land in Rioja. On the acquisition trail, the revered estate recently snapped up 69 hectares of “very old bush vines” in Rioja Alta and Alavesa, which wasn’t without its difficulties.