AUSTRIAN VINTAGE 2019
FRUIT-FORWARD & FANTASTIC!
The months of January, February and March were much milder than the average, as well as being very dry, with no periods of extreme cold like in the previous year. Among the early-ripening varieties, buds began to swell already at the end of March thanks to the temperate conditions. In the widely variable but basically warm April (1.5°C above the long-term average), it was only the Steiermark that received adequate precipitation, while the coldest month of May since 1991 retarded the vines’ development. This delayed blossoming until about ten days later than the previous year – viewed over the long term, once more back to normal. Blossoming was completed relatively swiftly by the middle of June in all winegrowing regions. The warmest, sunniest and driest June of all time (4.7°C above average, since measurements began in 1767) was a month for the meteorological history books; July and August as well were supernormally warm. The summer months were characterised by several heat waves with occasionally severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours – although fortunately there was no major hail damage to contend with this year.
The harvest took shape quite pleasantly thanks to the mild September and warm October: no surprises, everything right on schedule.
Our winegrowers were spared any bad weather, so that there was no need for hasty pre-harvesting or interruptions in the proceedings once picking was underway. Beneficial cooling during the nights promoted vivid fruit and aromaticity, along with preserving the acidic structure.
FACTS
The weather in 2019
- Beginning of the year exceptionally mild and very dry
- Start of blossoming at a customary time due to cool May
- Historically hot and dry summer, some heavy thunderstorms but no bigger hail damage
- Mild September/October with cool nights:
- Promotion of vivid fruit and aromaticity, preservation of the acidic structure
- Very good harvest conditions
- Harvest: fantastic grape quality, average quantity
Niederösterreich
- Grape material fully matured and very healthy
- Wines with pleasant flow across the palate along with particularly expressive varietal typicity, substantial character supported by moderate alcohol content, good acidity and primary fruit
Burgenland
- Outstanding grape quality
- Modest output of juice, but intense grape flavour
- Very aromatic wines with very good acidic structure and maturing potential
Steiermark
- Very healthy grape material, later ripening
- Very harmonious, well balanced and fruit-forward wines
Wien
- Grapes in excellent quality
- Fine, varietally typical wines with nicely integrated acidity
