Vintage 2002: Suspenseful to the Finish

As already reported, hail and flooding in Lower Austria and drought in Burgenland have had only regional influence and little impact on the total grape production. The total white grape crop is estimated to reach 12% over the previous year while a decrease of 15% in the black grape crop is expected.

Strict selection of grapes has brought a good vintage with wines distinguished by fruitiness and varietal character. The white wines are aromatic, elegant, and show good extract content. The red wines bring good primary aromas and fruit in the glass and in some wine areas it appears that the 2002 vintage is not only as good, but possibly even better than the 2000 vintage. “The 2002 vintage will once again surprise us with excellent quality in many Austrian wine areas,” emphasizes Austrian Wine Marketing Board director Michael Thurner.