2003 – Blest by the Sun
This summer, the hottest since we began to record temperatures in the ‘fifties, has produced a wonderful early ripeness in our grapes.
For Chardonnay and the red varietals (Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, St. Laurent and the Cabernets) this is very good news and promises a new dimension of depth and maturity in the wines.
Grape varieties expressing their personality through freshness and elegance (such as Riesling) had to be protected against an excess of direct sunlight by the appropriate canopy management. Unlike in cooler years, some of the leaves were left to cover the grapes, acting as a biological parasol.
Further towards the ground, the berries had been exposed to the air, and to indirect, mild sunlight. This allowed us to retain the right balance of fruit and opulence even in our “cooler” white wines.
