Fog against sun
27. October 2008 | 09:40
In our vineyards we are watching a match far more exciting than the now legendary football encounter Austria-Faroer Islands (we lost!): the sun is fighting against sheets of thick fog, and the fervent prayers which even the least pious of winemakers sends in the direction of Bacchus are answered all too rarely.
At the moment, the qualities are sufficient for pleasant and light, fruit-driven, satisfying wines, but not for top qualities.
A large proportion of the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling will have to be harvested after All Saints’ Day, despite the obvious risks. We hope that by then the frost will have dried out the air and made the leaves fall, allowing fresh winds and cool air to reach grapes.
By the way: here in the Kamptal we are observing the arrival of rented harvesting machines, which are regarded with great suspicion by the neighbours. Our winery is harvesting exclusively by hand. Still – you have to admire these monsters which are shaking the berries from their stems and leaves the dried peronospera berries in the vineyards.
This technique appears to have worked a small miracle for some producers, but it still does not compare with a careful hand harvest.
We are now harvesting the Chardonnay with about 20° KMW (Klosterneuburger Mostwaage, equivalent to 13% alcohol). The grapes are golden, absolutely healthy, and have a wonderful taste.
Until now the Burgundian varietals have had some advance on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. But we are still hoping that we will be able to harvest white wines of great quality in November.
