Good, quality-oriented work in the vineyards has paid off this year, because the grapes remained healthy despite the pressure of rot.
The nice October weather during the harvest time brought ripe and healthy grapes into the cellar.
Characteristic varietals showed fruitiness and a firm and pleasant acidity structure with the alcohol content not being high.
Evaluations of the Vintage
Austrian main wine regions are divided into Styria, Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland.
Styria
Despite extended rainfalls in some other regions Syria had only one major downpour in the middle of September. Therefore, it was ideal to wait for good ripeness to develop.
A good expression of fruitiness, beautiful acidity and not lower alcohol, will define this vintage character. "Perfect ripeness, perfect acidity, beautiful fruitiness" says a Styrian winemaker.
Vienna
A lot of work was required in order to get good grapes this year. But the winemakers are very happy about the good varietal characteristics coming through in the wines. Fruitiness and a firm acidity structure, together with alcohol that is not too high, are the hallmark of this year.
Lower Austria
October was beautiful for harvest but many growers wanted either to be on the safe side or harvest early because of the health of the grapes. The humidity brought larger harvest quantities.
Extensive parts of had to battle the fog problem in September, which would last until noon and even later, together with pleasant temperatures of around 20°C. This caused Botrytis to break out making quick reactions necessary. Otherwise the cool September and October brought no significant increases of gradation because the leaves could no longer perform.
Good fruitiness, agreeable alcohol and a marked acidity structure are prominent and will need to be watched further in the cellars. Those who did their homework in the vineyards and chose the right harvest time to collect well-ripened grapes will show better quality.
Burgenland
Rainfall at the end of May resulted in extensive pruning in order to
avoid rot. But all of the work undertaken this year has been
repaid with beautiful fresh fruit and pleasant acidity. The red wines
are well covered, with Blaufränkisch showing marked fruit and spiciness. Also Zweigelt and Pinot Noir are demonstrating distinction and fine fruit tones.
The moderate alcohol content will make this vintage a light drinkable one and the high harvest quantities will provide an ample supply of wines.
All in all 2008 is not an exceptional but good vintage with moderate alcohol and light drinking wines. The higher harvest will ensure ample wines for the Austrian wine lovers. In India, Austrian wines have yet to make a mark but some importers have been making efforts in the recent past with the continued success of German wines which have made their presence already felt due to their delicious Rieslings and decent Pinot Noir. |