Excellent quality in a small volumeVintage 1997(AWM, December 1997) - Austria's vintners are pleased with a magnificent, high-quality vintage. At the harvest, the grapes were of an excellent quality, in respect of both maturity and health. At the same time, the year had begun with some difficulty. Severe winter frosts, above all in the north of the largest wine-growing region, Lower Austria, seemed to indicate a modest total volume of wine. According to the most recent estimations, hardly 1.8 million hectoliters are likely to be exceeded. After a late shooting and average flowering, the first vegetation phase - above all in July - saw a great deal of rain (120mm to 240mm). Any arrears in the vegetation, however, were rapidly recovered through a marvelous August (260-300 hours of sunshine). The foliage and the grapes showed to be of above average health. The unusual period of good weather continued in September, so that in Burgenland the main harvest could already be started at the end of the month. Mature harvests (Spätlese) of a higher grade were brought in after the middle of October. Apart from a few superior Prädikat wines (above all, Eiswein), the harvest was completed by the end of November. A high extract and good balance of sugar and acidity, point to a magnificent year. 1997 should become the year for excellent dry white and red wines. From elegant summer wines to extensive variety characteristics in Grüne Veltliners and Rieslings, deeply fruity Zweigelt and Blaufrankish, and to a strong, well-balanced cuvée. The know-how, which in the meantime has been perfected, combined with first class grapes, supports our highest expectations for the red wines. After a great 1995, and excellent success in 1996, the volumes of noble sweet wines are likely to be smaller. All friends of the grape contemplating early reservations with their vintners, will be well advise to do so.
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