During our wine tour in Austria in mid-September, the harvest was in full swing. The producers were full of confidence after this year which has had some challenges, the hot weather in July and August not least. The lack of rain and temperatures above 30 degrees C stressed the vines, especially the young ones. High sugar levels came early, and Niki Moser at Sepp Moser in Kremstal says he started harvesting very early to maintain the acidity and balance of the wines.
Franz Schneider at Artisan Wines in Neusiedlersee is very optimistic, not least for his red wines. “We’ve had warm weather that gives good colour and phenolic ripeness.” The Austrian red wines look to be a hit this year, but the white wines will also be excellent. “Our riesling and grüner veltliner look perfect,” says Franz Leth at Weingut Leth in Wagram.
