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2004 – An Exciting Vintage in Austria - Know-how and Vineyard Work of the Producers Decisive

The weather conditions of 2004 have caused some additional work for Austrian wine producers, both in the vineyards and in the cellar. The wines of this vintage will carry the producer’s stamp more than in other years, expression of viticultural variety and vinicultural expertise. Already now, the 2004 shows as an elegant, classic year with fruit and fine aromas: typically Austrian.

This picture shows grapes

The weather gods …

vintner with grapes, © Austrian Wine / committee Kamptal

The weather gods …

Despite the fact that many people complained about the summer, it was much better (at least in Austria) than it was made out to be. During the past 230 years there were only 34 summers with an average temperature higher than 2004. Sun and rain, however, created very different circumstances in the different wine growing areas. Generally, the vines did not suffer from the lack of hot days, compensated for by a longer, warm maturation period. The high humidity could be countered with intensive foliage control. “Vintages with difficult weather conditions are a particular challenge for the wine makers. Especially this year the expertise of the individual producers will be decisive for the quality of the wines,” thinks Michael Thurner, Director of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB).

… created a vintage full of fruit …

In some regions, the weather of the past few weeks made for a challenging harvest, and strict qualitative selection was the answer. This is the only way for Austria’s producers to create a vintage meeting the high international expectations, a vintage with good fruit and typical aromas. The wines are very aromatic, show good extract, and are more elegant than powerful – a result of the climatic conditions. The acidity is racy and refreshing. The red wines show good varietal character and fruit. 2004 was also an ideal year for sweet wines, and for the nobly-sweet creations it may turn out a classic year.
“ Austria’s style in connection with our classic grape varieties will be a real pleasure for wine lovers this year,” Michael Thurner sums up, “I personally am really looking forward to beautiful, elegant wines. After the more powerful 2003, 2004 will be ideal!”

…in good quantity!

This year’s harvest will be within the average range over the last few years. Austria’s statistical service estimates some 2.6 million hectolitres. Until now, 85% of the grapes have been harvested.

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