2024 Vintage: Unique, extreme weather conditions and a happy ending
The 2024 growing cycle once again showed how climate change has turned the world of agriculture upside down. The year was shaped by extreme weather conditions — from late frosts and hail to heat and heavy rains with flooding. Despite all these challenges, we owe a tremendous debt to the tireless work of our vignerons and a meticulously planned harvest that brought in high-quality fruit.
The year began unusually warm, which led to an early bud break for the grapevines. In April temperatures sank as low as -4°C, causing major frost damages, especially on the right bank of the Danube in Rossatz and Rührsdorf, as well as in the Spitzer Graben and in Weißenkirchen. Armed with torches and smudge pots, our vignerons bravely worked to protect the most vulnerable shoots. The summer brought an enduring heat wave, complete with record temperatures in Eastern Austria. The situation was fortunately not quite as extreme in the Wachau, as the cooling influence of the Waldviertel (northern plateau to Wachau) and the Danube kept temperatures relatively low.
Harvest started early, on 3rd September, a reflection of the hot summer and the threatened overripeness in the grapes at that time. Starting on September 12th, however, several days of intense rains and flooding led to a one-week pause in the harvest. On September 18th, harvest resumed to significantly lower temperatures. The cooler nights slowed the maturation process, promoted the development of aromas, and stabilized acidity levels in the grapes, which in turn had a positive impact on the quality of the wines. The high alcohol levels that normally might come with a hot late summer never materialized. Thanks to the autumn cool down, maturation levels remained moderate. In all, the extreme weather events (frost, hail, and enduring rains) ultimately led to a 20% drop in volume. 2024 was a vintage unlike any other, with many challenges to manage. And yet the vintage seems destined to be remembered for high quality.
Despite the hot late summer, the wines of the 2024 vintage are characterised by their moderate alcohol level and fine fruity and spicy aromas. The wines present a balanced, crisp acidity as well as the elegance and finesse that are so important to us. We are looking forward to wines with vibrant freshness, great drinkability and plenty of structure and depth.
