2024 – our relaunch year

The year 2024 started with a lot of precipitation again, but with significantly higher temperatures than the previous year, so that budding was not delayed. In March and April, late frosts, hail and persistent rainfall quickly led to disease pressure in the low-lying and shallow vineyards. Fortunately, our vineyards on the Leithagebirge, on the St. Margarethener Kogl and in the immediate vicinity of Lake Neusiedl survived this phase almost unscathed.

Flowering began at the end of May, slightly earlier than average. The sometimes-strong winds and rainfall spared the blossom, allowing good fruit set to develop. A period of drought and heat lasting almost three months began in mid-June, but our vines survived this very well. Paradoxically, the decision not to irrigate any more productive vineyards helped us here. This forced the roots to penetrate deeper and deeper into the soil, where they were able to access sufficient water.

The high temperatures and sufficient water supply contributed to the rapid ripening of the grapes, which is why we started picking the sparkling base wines and Gelber Muskateller on 19 August. After that, everything went very quickly. Everything was ripe and ready to harvest at the same time. As a result, we had around 85% of the harvest in the cellar after just 3 weeks. September then brought a 10-day interruption to the harvest with heavy rain. Perfect for taking a deep breath and allowing the late red grape varieties to hang on the vine a little longer due to the cooling. We completed our harvest on 1 October with our last Cabernet Sauvignon from the Kramer/St. Margarethen vineyard. The 6% lower yield than last year is impressive proof of the top quality of our microclimate, as the industry average is at least 30% lower.

All the grapes are super aromatic, which is why we are expecting a very fruity, somewhat lusher vintage. The red grape varieties in particular, such as Cabernet, Syrah and, in the best locations, Blaufränkisch, can reach their absolute peak in 2023.

2024 – our relaunch year

The year 2024 started with a lot of precipitation again, but with significantly higher temperatures than the previous year, so that budding was not delayed. In March and April, late frosts, hail and persistent rainfall quickly led to disease pressure in the low-lying and shallow vineyards. Fortunately, our vineyards on the Leithagebirge, on the St. Margarethener Kogl and in the immediate vicinity of Lake Neusiedl survived this phase almost unscathed.

Flowering began at the end of May, slightly earlier than average. The sometimes-strong winds and rainfall spared the blossom, allowing good fruit set to develop. A period of drought and heat lasting almost three months began in mid-June, but our vines survived this very well. Paradoxically, the decision not to irrigate any more productive vineyards helped us here. This forced the roots to penetrate deeper and deeper into the soil, where they were able to access sufficient water.

The high temperatures and sufficient water supply contributed to the rapid ripening of the grapes, which is why we started picking the sparkling base wines and Gelber Muskateller on 19 August. After that, everything went very quickly. Everything was ripe and ready to harvest at the same time. As a result, we had around 85% of the harvest in the cellar after just 3 weeks. September then brought a 10-day interruption to the harvest with heavy rain. Perfect for taking a deep breath and allowing the late red grape varieties to hang on the vine a little longer due to the cooling. We completed our harvest on 1 October with our last Cabernet Sauvignon from the Kramer/St. Margarethen vineyard. The 6% lower yield than last year is impressive proof of the top quality of our microclimate, as the industry average is at least 30% lower.

All the grapes are super aromatic, which is why we are expecting a very fruity, somewhat lusher vintage. The red grape varieties in particular, such as Cabernet, Syrah and, in the best locations, Blaufränkisch, can reach their absolute peak in 2023.

2023 - our 1st certified organic vintage

2023 began with much more rainfall than in previous years. By the end of June, the total rainfall of 2022 had already been exceeded, which had a noticeably positive effect on nature. Despite relative warm temperatures in spring, budding was slightly delayed, as the consistent rainfall kept the soil cool for an unusually long period. Fortunately, the vines were not affected by late frosts. The intervals between rainy days were perfectly timed so that flowering was not negatively affected, and the vines were able to develop perfect fruit setting. Abundant rainfalls resulted in strong vegetative growth and a perfect supply of nutrients and water to the plants, so that the late summer drought had no negative effect on the plants.

This year, heavy rainfall quickly led to high risk of disease during the growing season. A race began in the vineyards to control or avoid outbreaks of oidium and downy mildew. As organic farmers, we use natural substances as a protective agent instead of a systemic or chemical preparate to help prevent these fungal diseases that can damage grapes. In wet years like 2023 these natural protective agents are washed off the leaves easier, so we need to constantly observe and monitor our vineyards to act as quickly as possible to prevent these infections.

Our harvest began six days later than the previous vintage on September 4th and ended on October 11th, which is a typical harvest timespan for our vineyards. Our grapes are exclusively hand harvested by skilled employees who spend the whole year helping the vines to develop to their full potential. They know each vine, better than anyone else does. 2023 shows remarkably high physiological maturity of the grapes, with lignified seeds and stems. This opens many possibilities in the cellar in terms of maceration time and whole bunch fermentation for highly complex and long-lasting wines. The new vintage promises fruit driven red and white wines with perfect structure.

We couldn’t be prouder of this milestone year!

2023 - our 1st certified organic vintage

2023 began with much more rainfall than in previous years. By the end of June, the total rainfall of 2022 had already been exceeded, which had a noticeably positive effect on nature. Despite relative warm temperatures in spring, budding was slightly delayed, as the consistent rainfall kept the soil cool for an unusually long period. Fortunately, the vines were not affected by late frosts. The intervals between rainy days were perfectly timed so that flowering was not negatively affected, and the vines were able to develop perfect fruit setting. Abundant rainfalls resulted in strong vegetative growth and a perfect supply of nutrients and water to the plants, so that the late summer drought had no negative effect on the plants.

This year, heavy rainfall quickly led to high risk of disease during the growing season. A race began in the vineyards to control or avoid outbreaks of oidium and downy mildew. As organic farmers, we use natural substances as a protective agent instead of a systemic or chemical preparate to help prevent these fungal diseases that can damage grapes. In wet years like 2023 these natural protective agents are washed off the leaves easier, so we need to constantly observe and monitor our vineyards to act as quickly as possible to prevent these infections.

Our harvest began six days later than the previous vintage on September 4th and ended on October 11th, which is a typical harvest timespan for our vineyards. Our grapes are exclusively hand harvested by skilled employees who spend the whole year helping the vines to develop to their full potential. They know each vine, better than anyone else does. 2023 shows remarkably high physiological maturity of the grapes, with lignified seeds and stems. This opens many possibilities in the cellar in terms of maceration time and whole bunch fermentation for highly complex and long-lasting wines. The new vintage promises fruit driven red and white wines with perfect structure.

We couldn’t be prouder of this milestone year!

2022 - a heterogeneous vintage

A general weather overview cannot do justice to this vintage. In the Leithaberg wine-growing region, the right location this year had an even greater influence on the quality of the grapes and ultimately the wines than it already did. The Leithagerbirge, with its altitude of up to 484 metres, was a decisive factor in the fact that more rain fell on the slopes there than in 2021, meaning that the plants were almost perfectly supplied. The situation is different on the plain. Here, the low rainfall - especially at the time of flowering - led to yield losses for some grape varieties. Despite the high summer temperatures, the harvest at the Esterhazy winery started on 29 August, just 3 days earlier than in the previous year. The last day of harvest was 4 October, almost 12 days earlier than in 2021. The short harvest window meant that the extremely small and highly aromatic grapes could be processed in the cellar in a very healthy state.

2022 - a heterogeneous vintage

A general weather overview cannot do justice to this vintage. In the Leithaberg wine-growing region, the right location this year had an even greater influence on the quality of the grapes and ultimately the wines than it already did. The Leithagerbirge, with its altitude of up to 484 metres, was a decisive factor in the fact that more rain fell on the slopes there than in 2021, meaning that the plants were almost perfectly supplied. The situation is different on the plain. Here, the low rainfall - especially at the time of flowering - led to yield losses for some grape varieties. Despite the high summer temperatures, the harvest at the Esterhazy winery started on 29 August, just 3 days earlier than in the previous year. The last day of harvest was 4 October, almost 12 days earlier than in 2021. The short harvest window meant that the extremely small and highly aromatic grapes could be processed in the cellar in a very healthy state.

2021 - back to normality

After a relatively mild winter, budding took place between 10 and 16 April, as is the long-term average. This was followed by a very cool and rainy phase lasting well into May. This was a stroke of luck for our newly planted vineyard in the Ried Pirichen. This is located at 319 to 355 metres above sea level at the top of the Leitha Mountains and was planted with 17,000 vines on 3 hectares on 6 April. The rainfall ensured good rooting of the young plants, which would otherwise have had to be watered at great expense. The other vineyards were already three weeks behind in ripening due to the cold and wet weather at the end of May.

The weather changed at the beginning of June. It was now sunny and warm until mid-August. Thunderstorms continued to ensure a sufficient water supply. The ripening delay was quickly made up and the vines were able to develop perfectly. Fungal diseases did not occur due to the dry weather. On 24 June and 14 July, hail caused damage to the grapes in St. Georgen. As there was no sugar stored in the berries at this time, there was no rot and the damaged berries were able to dry out completely. At the end of August, there was another cool and rainy phase, which provided the vines with an ideal supply of water before the harvest.

The harvest was very compressed this year. The harvest did not begin until 7 September because we had to wait for an optimal sugar-acid ratio after the rain. The beautiful and warm September then ensured a quick harvest without interruptions. To prevent the sugar levels from rising too high, the first red grapes were harvested from 20 September. The harvest was completed on 13 October and was thus brought in in just 36 days. This is special because a traditional harvest at Esterhazy usually lasts 50 days.

The grapes were extremely healthy this year and hardly any berries had to be sorted out. The white varieties have a consistently higher acidity, which ensures a lot of freshness and longevity. The red varieties, especially Blaufränkisch, show a perfect balance with perfectly ripe tannins.

2021 - back to normality

After a relatively mild winter, budding took place between 10 and 16 April, as is the long-term average. This was followed by a very cool and rainy phase lasting well into May. This was a stroke of luck for our newly planted vineyard in the Ried Pirichen. This is located at 319 to 355 metres above sea level at the top of the Leitha Mountains and was planted with 17,000 vines on 3 hectares on 6 April. The rainfall ensured good rooting of the young plants, which would otherwise have had to be watered at great expense. The other vineyards were already three weeks behind in ripening due to the cold and wet weather at the end of May.

The weather changed at the beginning of June. It was now sunny and warm until mid-August. Thunderstorms continued to ensure a sufficient water supply. The ripening delay was quickly made up and the vines were able to develop perfectly. Fungal diseases did not occur due to the dry weather. On 24 June and 14 July, hail caused damage to the grapes in St. Georgen. As there was no sugar stored in the berries at this time, there was no rot and the damaged berries were able to dry out completely. At the end of August, there was another cool and rainy phase, which provided the vines with an ideal supply of water before the harvest.

The harvest was very compressed this year. The harvest did not begin until 7 September because we had to wait for an optimal sugar-acid ratio after the rain. The beautiful and warm September then ensured a quick harvest without interruptions. To prevent the sugar levels from rising too high, the first red grapes were harvested from 20 September. The harvest was completed on 13 October and was thus brought in in just 36 days. This is special because a traditional harvest at Esterhazy usually lasts 50 days.

The grapes were extremely healthy this year and hardly any berries had to be sorted out. The white varieties have a consistently higher acidity, which ensures a lot of freshness and longevity. The red varieties, especially Blaufränkisch, show a perfect balance with perfectly ripe tannins.

2020 - our best vintage to date

The winter and spring were extremely dry and resulted in some late budding. From June onwards, the long-awaited rainfall set in, temperatures remained rather moderate throughout the summer and cool nights ensured even, moderate growth in the vineyard. The challenge at the beginning was the extreme drought, which particularly affected the young plants, which were watered weekly in May. The picture changed from June onwards: Rainfall came almost weekly and ensured an even water supply.

After the hot vintages of 2017, 2018 and 2019, 2020 was another "normal" harvest. It began on 1 September with Gelber Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc, immediately followed by Blaufränkisch as the base wine for Quinquin and Blanc de Noirs. The main harvest of the white grapes, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc, took place in mid-September. The berries are all very small and, due to the cool nights, have a high intensity of flavour and fresh acidity. What was striking this year was that the white grapes almost all ripened at the same time and were harvested within a week.

The red grapes, where Zweigelt and Pinot Noir are usually harvested almost a month before Blaufränkisch, also painted a different picture. The first Blaufränkisch grapes were harvested at the same time as Zweigelt on 5 October, as they were already fully ripe in terms of flavour and physiology. The last Blaufränkisch from the Schildten and Hummelbühel vineyards was harvested on 20 and 21 October. The gamble was high: the rain phase from 12 to 16 October was waited for. Fortunately, it was exceptionally cold during this phase, with temperatures dropping to 2° Celsius during the night. As a result, there was no rot and the grapes could be harvested healthy and perfectly ripe.

The first young wines from 2020 are very promising: moderate in alcohol, yet very fragrant with intense flavours. The red wines show very juicy, ripe tannins across the board.

2020 - our best vintage to date

The winter and spring were extremely dry and resulted in some late budding. From June onwards, the long-awaited rainfall set in, temperatures remained rather moderate throughout the summer and cool nights ensured even, moderate growth in the vineyard. The challenge at the beginning was the extreme drought, which particularly affected the young plants, which were watered weekly in May. The picture changed from June onwards: Rainfall came almost weekly and ensured an even water supply.

After the hot vintages of 2017, 2018 and 2019, 2020 was another "normal" harvest. It began on 1 September with Gelber Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc, immediately followed by Blaufränkisch as the base wine for Quinquin and Blanc de Noirs. The main harvest of the white grapes, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc, took place in mid-September. The berries are all very small and, due to the cool nights, have a high intensity of flavour and fresh acidity. What was striking this year was that the white grapes almost all ripened at the same time and were harvested within a week.

The red grapes, where Zweigelt and Pinot Noir are usually harvested almost a month before Blaufränkisch, also painted a different picture. The first Blaufränkisch grapes were harvested at the same time as Zweigelt on 5 October, as they were already fully ripe in terms of flavour and physiology. The last Blaufränkisch from the Schildten and Hummelbühel vineyards was harvested on 20 and 21 October. The gamble was high: the rain phase from 12 to 16 October was waited for. Fortunately, it was exceptionally cold during this phase, with temperatures dropping to 2° Celsius during the night. As a result, there was no rot and the grapes could be harvested healthy and perfectly ripe.

The first young wines from 2020 are very promising: moderate in alcohol, yet very fragrant with intense flavours. The red wines show very juicy, ripe tannins across the board.

2019 - a perfectly ripe vintage

Budding started very early at the beginning of April due to the warm temperatures. Fortunately, there was no late frost like in 2016 or 2017. A cool and rainy May ensured a balanced vegetation process. In June, it was hot in midsummer and this phase lasted until the end of August. Our older vines coped very well with the drought, as they are already deeply rooted in our rather deep, calcareous soils. Our young vines, on the other hand, had to be watered by hand to avoid drought stress.

Just in time for the start of the harvest at the beginning of September, it became much cooler. The temperature regularly fell below 10° Celsius, especially at night. This resulted in a perfect build-up of flavour in the berries due to the greater differences between day and night. In addition, the grape harvest could be relaxed until mid-October. In some cases, the heat during flowering in June only became apparent at the time of harvest, resulting in damage caused by trickling. As a result, some of the berries were not fertilised, so that instead of 150 berries, a bunch only has around 100. This is often not even recognisable to the naked eye; the low yield only becomes apparent during the harvest. However, the trickling is positive for the quality of the grapes, as a loose bunch is less susceptible to fungal diseases.

The 2019 wines are generally on the strong side. Lightweight wines with less than 12% alcohol could not be harvested at all, but the acidity levels in 2019 were still above average. The combination of high acidity and maturity leads to wines that are often difficult to taste from the barrel and appear rough, but have a very long shelf life. In this respect, 2019 joins the ranks of typical 9s vintages such as 2009 or 1999, which also exhibit perfect ripeness and great ageing potential.

2019 - a perfectly ripe vintage

Budding started very early at the beginning of April due to the warm temperatures. Fortunately, there was no late frost like in 2016 or 2017. A cool and rainy May ensured a balanced vegetation process. In June, it was hot in midsummer and this phase lasted until the end of August. Our older vines coped very well with the drought, as they are already deeply rooted in our rather deep, calcareous soils. Our young vines, on the other hand, had to be watered by hand to avoid drought stress.

Just in time for the start of the harvest at the beginning of September, it became much cooler. The temperature regularly fell below 10° Celsius, especially at night. This resulted in a perfect build-up of flavour in the berries due to the greater differences between day and night. In addition, the grape harvest could be relaxed until mid-October. In some cases, the heat during flowering in June only became apparent at the time of harvest, resulting in damage caused by trickling. As a result, some of the berries were not fertilised, so that instead of 150 berries, a bunch only has around 100. This is often not even recognisable to the naked eye; the low yield only becomes apparent during the harvest. However, the trickling is positive for the quality of the grapes, as a loose bunch is less susceptible to fungal diseases.

The 2019 wines are generally on the strong side. Lightweight wines with less than 12% alcohol could not be harvested at all, but the acidity levels in 2019 were still above average. The combination of high acidity and maturity leads to wines that are often difficult to taste from the barrel and appear rough, but have a very long shelf life. In this respect, 2019 joins the ranks of typical 9s vintages such as 2009 or 1999, which also exhibit perfect ripeness and great ageing potential.

2018 - the hottest vintage to date

The year began very cold, with regular sub-zero temperatures well into March. This led to late budding. This delay was made up in the summer of May, followed by 3 very hot months with little rainfall. The risk of fungal diseases was very low, the challenge lay in maintaining the foliage. On the one hand, it was kept short to avoid drought stress caused by excessive evaporation, while at the same time it was important to provide good shade for the grape zone to avoid sunburn.

The harvest began on 9 August and was completed with Blaufränkisch on 27 September. It was therefore almost a month ahead of the usual harvest date. The start of the harvest was very challenging, as the grapes ripened rapidly due to the high temperatures in August. The sugar and acidity levels had to be checked daily in order to harvest the grapes at the perfect time. The cool September then ensured a relaxed red wine harvest.

Although 2018 can be described as the year of extremes, the wines are by no means lush or even opulent. The alcohol levels were on average below those of 2017. Blaufränkisch shows pure, clear fruit with perfectly ripe tannins, while Merlot displays a density and structure reminiscent of Pomerol.

2018 - the hottest vintage to date

The year began very cold, with regular sub-zero temperatures well into March. This led to late budding. This delay was made up in the summer of May, followed by 3 very hot months with little rainfall. The risk of fungal diseases was very low, the challenge lay in maintaining the foliage. On the one hand, it was kept short to avoid drought stress caused by excessive evaporation, while at the same time it was important to provide good shade for the grape zone to avoid sunburn.

The harvest began on 9 August and was completed with Blaufränkisch on 27 September. It was therefore almost a month ahead of the usual harvest date. The start of the harvest was very challenging, as the grapes ripened rapidly due to the high temperatures in August. The sugar and acidity levels had to be checked daily in order to harvest the grapes at the perfect time. The cool September then ensured a relaxed red wine harvest.

Although 2018 can be described as the year of extremes, the wines are by no means lush or even opulent. The alcohol levels were on average below those of 2017. Blaufränkisch shows pure, clear fruit with perfectly ripe tannins, while Merlot displays a density and structure reminiscent of Pomerol.

2017 - a strong vintage with lots of fruit

A long, harsh winter resulted in late budding. Nevertheless, we had to worry again at the beginning of May due to late frost, which, unlike in 2016, caused hardly any damage. It then warmed up quickly, followed by a hot, dry summer. August in particular is considered the hottest since records began.

Accordingly, the harvest began very early, starting as early as 24 August. September was then much cooler and ensured an even ripening process. The grapes were brought in extremely healthy. There was virtually no rot this year. The last Blaufränkisch grapes were harvested on 11 October.

2017 is a vintage with very thick berry skins and above-average extract values. Accordingly, powerful wines with plenty of fruit but also structure were pressed, which have a long life ahead of them. Merlot and Blaufränkisch in particular are among the best ever produced on this estate.

2017 - a strong vintage with lots of fruit

A long, harsh winter resulted in late budding. Nevertheless, we had to worry again at the beginning of May due to late frost, which, unlike in 2016, caused hardly any damage. It then warmed up quickly, followed by a hot, dry summer. August in particular is considered the hottest since records began.

Accordingly, the harvest began very early, starting as early as 24 August. September was then much cooler and ensured an even ripening process. The grapes were brought in extremely healthy. There was virtually no rot this year. The last Blaufränkisch grapes were harvested on 11 October.

2017 is a vintage with very thick berry skins and above-average extract values. Accordingly, powerful wines with plenty of fruit but also structure were pressed, which have a long life ahead of them. Merlot and Blaufränkisch in particular are among the best ever produced on this estate.

2016 - the year of the late frost

2016 was a very difficult year in the vineyard. At the end of April, late frost caused around 25% of the harvest to fail on 3 days. What was particularly unusual here was that high-altitude hillside sites were often even more severely affected and we were hit with a 50% loss in some of our best sites. The spring was cool, which was compensated for by a hot summer. Precipitation fell regularly and in sufficient quantities.

In August, it was particularly important to remove the shoots from the red grapes caused by the frost damage, as these grapes, which were not fully ripe, are no longer visually recognisable during the harvest. The harvest was then small due to the frost, but of very good quality. The harvest began on 6 September. Dry weather into October ensured a relaxed harvest.

The high acidity levels of all grape varieties, which ensure a great deal of freshness and ageing potential, should be emphasised. These can be found throughout Central Europe. The reason for this is the even distribution of rainfall in summer, which kept the malic acid levels high. Chardonnay and Blaufränkisch in particular display fresh fruit flavours and concentration, balanced by their lively acidity structure.

2016 - the year of the late frost

2016 was a very difficult year in the vineyard. At the end of April, late frost caused around 25% of the harvest to fail on 3 days. What was particularly unusual here was that high-altitude hillside sites were often even more severely affected and we were hit with a 50% loss in some of our best sites. The spring was cool, which was compensated for by a hot summer. Precipitation fell regularly and in sufficient quantities.

In August, it was particularly important to remove the shoots from the red grapes caused by the frost damage, as these grapes, which were not fully ripe, are no longer visually recognisable during the harvest. The harvest was then small due to the frost, but of very good quality. The harvest began on 6 September. Dry weather into October ensured a relaxed harvest.

The high acidity levels of all grape varieties, which ensure a great deal of freshness and ageing potential, should be emphasised. These can be found throughout Central Europe. The reason for this is the even distribution of rainfall in summer, which kept the malic acid levels high. Chardonnay and Blaufränkisch in particular display fresh fruit flavours and concentration, balanced by their lively acidity structure.

2015 - a top red vintage

Budding was rather late and the spring was rather cool and rainy. It became very hot from June onwards and the summer was characterised by several heatwaves. There was little rain but it fell at exactly the right time, especially at the beginning of grape ripening. In addition, the soils were still sufficiently moist due to the rainy spring.

The harvest began in the first week of September and had to be carried out very quickly, as the warm weather meant that grape ripening and sugar formation progressed rapidly. The main focus for the white grapes was to pick them in good time with optimum ripening parameters (fruit, sugar, acidity and pH value). The red grapes were also harvested by 9 October, the earliest harvest ever at our winery.

2015 is considered an absolute top year, especially for red wines. The grapes, which had small berries due to the heat, provided a lot of concentration and fullness. The late-ripening Blaufränkisch in particular benefited from this and has excellent ageing potential for many years to come.

2015 - a top red vintage

Budding was rather late and the spring was rather cool and rainy. It became very hot from June onwards and the summer was characterised by several heatwaves. There was little rain but it fell at exactly the right time, especially at the beginning of grape ripening. In addition, the soils were still sufficiently moist due to the rainy spring.

The harvest began in the first week of September and had to be carried out very quickly, as the warm weather meant that grape ripening and sugar formation progressed rapidly. The main focus for the white grapes was to pick them in good time with optimum ripening parameters (fruit, sugar, acidity and pH value). The red grapes were also harvested by 9 October, the earliest harvest ever at our winery.

2015 is considered an absolute top year, especially for red wines. The grapes, which had small berries due to the heat, provided a lot of concentration and fullness. The late-ripening Blaufränkisch in particular benefited from this and has excellent ageing potential for many years to come.

2014 - a labour-intensive and challenging year

This vintage can at best be described as mixed. Lots of moisture ensured strong growth of the vines. As a result, a lot of work on the foliage was necessary to prevent infestation with fungal diseases. In addition, record amounts of rain fell in the second half of August, which particularly affected the red early varieties Zweigelt and Pinot Noir.

The harvest began in the first week of September and proved to be extremely labour-intensive, as many berries burst open due to the August rainfall. These had to be painstakingly sorted out by hand. This led to harvest losses of over 50 per cent in some of the early varieties. The Blaufränkisch fared better, as it still had firm skins during the rainfall and benefited from the better weather from the second half of September.

The white grape varieties benefited from this cool and damp weather. These wines showed clear fruit with fresh acidity. Especially the Leithaberg DAC Chardonnay. The red grape varieties had a much harder time, maturing but lacking the vigour and concentration of other years. The red single-vineyard wines were not bottled, but they helped to raise the quality of the classic red wines.

2014 - a labour-intensive and challenging year

This vintage can at best be described as mixed. Lots of moisture ensured strong growth of the vines. As a result, a lot of work on the foliage was necessary to prevent infestation with fungal diseases. In addition, record amounts of rain fell in the second half of August, which particularly affected the red early varieties Zweigelt and Pinot Noir.

The harvest began in the first week of September and proved to be extremely labour-intensive, as many berries burst open due to the August rainfall. These had to be painstakingly sorted out by hand. This led to harvest losses of over 50 per cent in some of the early varieties. The Blaufränkisch fared better, as it still had firm skins during the rainfall and benefited from the better weather from the second half of September.

The white grape varieties benefited from this cool and damp weather. These wines showed clear fruit with fresh acidity. Especially the Leithaberg DAC Chardonnay. The red grape varieties had a much harder time, maturing but lacking the vigour and concentration of other years. The red single-vineyard wines were not bottled, but they helped to raise the quality of the classic red wines.

2013 - with a lot of patience to a good vintage

The spring was very wet. This rainfall was very important as the weather changed from June onwards and it was very dry and hot throughout the summer. This spring we planted 7 hectares of new vines. The vineyard team was busy all summer supplying these 40,000 young vines with 20 litres of water per vine at least every two weeks.

Rainy weather set in at the start of the harvest at the beginning of September, which meant that the harvest plan was constantly being thrown out of kilter. The harvest was postponed several times. It was important to wait, because even if the grapes had enough sugar, tannin ripeness was lagging behind. A lot of patience was required, but eventually perfectly ripe grapes could be harvested.

White wine and red wine both turned out well in this classic year. They are full of fruit and flavour. Due to the very thick skins caused by the heat, the red wines show an intense tannin structure. This made them difficult to taste in their youth and sometimes unbalanced. With increasing maturity, the tannin has integrated and the wines now show great ageing potential.

2013 - with a lot of patience to a good vintage

The spring was very wet. This rainfall was very important as the weather changed from June onwards and it was very dry and hot throughout the summer. This spring we planted 7 hectares of new vines. The vineyard team was busy all summer supplying these 40,000 young vines with 20 litres of water per vine at least every two weeks.

Rainy weather set in at the start of the harvest at the beginning of September, which meant that the harvest plan was constantly being thrown out of kilter. The harvest was postponed several times. It was important to wait, because even if the grapes had enough sugar, tannin ripeness was lagging behind. A lot of patience was required, but eventually perfectly ripe grapes could be harvested.

White wine and red wine both turned out well in this classic year. They are full of fruit and flavour. Due to the very thick skins caused by the heat, the red wines show an intense tannin structure. This made them difficult to taste in their youth and sometimes unbalanced. With increasing maturity, the tannin has integrated and the wines now show great ageing potential.

2012 - a vintage with plenty of strength and structure

As in the previous year, 2012 was a perfect vineyard year. Spring was warm and sunny and merged seamlessly into a hot, perfect summer. It was relatively dry, with the few rains always coming at the right time. There were a few rainy days in July, which avoided drought stress, and a thunderstorm in mid-August, which helped the grapes to ripen.

The harvest took place under ideal conditions, as the period of fine weather extended into October. Most of the grapes were harvested in September, followed by Merlot and Blaufränkisch at the beginning of October.

The red wines all show a lot of strength and structure. The quality was so exceptional that we produced our first Blaufränkisch single-vineyard wine from the Schildten vineyard. At that time, we still used the historic vineyard name "Baumschule".

2012 - a vintage with plenty of strength and structure

As in the previous year, 2012 was a perfect vineyard year. Spring was warm and sunny and merged seamlessly into a hot, perfect summer. It was relatively dry, with the few rains always coming at the right time. There were a few rainy days in July, which avoided drought stress, and a thunderstorm in mid-August, which helped the grapes to ripen.

The harvest took place under ideal conditions, as the period of fine weather extended into October. Most of the grapes were harvested in September, followed by Merlot and Blaufränkisch at the beginning of October.

The red wines all show a lot of strength and structure. The quality was so exceptional that we produced our first Blaufränkisch single-vineyard wine from the Schildten vineyard. At that time, we still used the historic vineyard name "Baumschule".

2011 - a perfect vintage in the vineyard

2011 is considered a perfect year in the vineyard. However, the start was anything but ideal. In winter, frost down to minus 17° Celsius brought joy to ice wine producers, but there was a risk of vines freezing at these temperatures. In May, late frost then caused minor damage at low altitudes. The weather was mixed into July, with sufficient rainfall. From August onwards, stable high-pressure weather set in until the autumn.

2011 - a perfect vintage in the vineyard

2011 is considered a perfect year in the vineyard. However, the start was anything but ideal. In winter, frost down to minus 17° Celsius brought joy to ice wine producers, but there was a risk of vines freezing at these temperatures. In May, late frost then caused minor damage at low altitudes. The weather was mixed into July, with sufficient rainfall. From August onwards, stable high-pressure weather set in until the autumn.