The 2004 Vintage
07. Dezember 2004 | 10:30
Dry and cold nights concentrated our last Grüner Veltliner grapes on the vines of our Käferberg vineyard to the prized TBA (Trockenbeerenauslese) level. Unfortunately, huge swarms of birds reduced the final yields by one half.
Fruit-driven and delicate aromas
As the last TBA is slowly dripping off the press, most barrels have finished fermentation. The 2004s must not be rushed: too early filtering would be a disastrous mistake. The aromas are delicate, with clear fruit, very fine and volatile in structure. Very careful vinification will preserve the richness and freshness of aromas of this vintage, and we will therefore probably fill the first bottles no earlier than 2005.
The development of the red wines is surprisingly positive. They have already started their malolactic fermentation. Despite the cool year we see wonderful colours and ripe tannins.
While still cloudy and slightly sweet (not yet fully fermented) and still full of carbonic acid from the fermentation, the white wine barrels are already emitting hints of the fruit and freshness that will create beautiful, clear wines by the end of the winter.
Edwige Bründlmayer
