Following the problematic and intensively demanding 2014 vintage, 2015 brought happy faces to the Austrian winegrower population. A lovely springtime and for the most part good blossoming led into a summer that then offered some surprises. Hot days and nights were cause for concern, but then in mid-August the rains came, imparting adequate moisture in most districts. The last period of heat at the end of August helped the vines to attain a satisfying degree of ripeness; nights had already become cooler, exerting a positive influence upon the development of aromatics.
Very good weather conditions in autumn permitted a rather ‘relaxed’ harvest – in the sense of being free from anxiety – with no deadlines being set by menacing clouds approaching on the horizon. The summer heat did leave its mark upon the grapes, and kept oenologues on their toes, since they were obliged to address some ticklish challenges during vinification and fermentation. What ultimately counts, however, is success – this is clearly evident in the lovely fruit-driven aromatics and varietal typicity that the evolving wines are already showing.
The vintage picture promises moderate acidity with mostly robust alcohol levels, serving to reinforce the fullbodied character of the wines.
