Wein Burgenland

2010 - A challenging year for winemakers in Burgenland

The weather conditions throughout 2010 demanded the utmost in know-how and skill from Burgenland’s winemakers. After a winter that swung between cold and practically spring-like temperatures in February, the month of March began with icy temperatures and ended with pleasant spring weather. April and May were particularly wet months with rare periods of sunshine.

June provided a bumpy start to summer, with rain and cold during the flowering period causing problems with pollination and fruit set. Flowering was approximately two weeks later than in the previous year – though it still was considered a “normal” flowering period. While there was relatively dry weather until the end of July, the rain that showed up in August pretty much marked the rest of the vegetation period. This resulted in a higher infection rate, which meant a great deal of work was necessary in order to preserve grape quality.  Eisenstadt had the most rain - 255 liters per square meter, the highest figure recorded in the last 65 years.

Not surprisingly, the picking of healthy red grapes took priority over those with a higher gradation. In the Seewinkel (east of lake Neusiedl), the harvest was nearly completed in October; only the specialities remained on the vines. Also in Mittelburgenland during the same period, the Zweigelt harvest was finished for the most part, although Blaufränkisch was kept on the vines for as long as the health of the grapes allowed. The main harvest in Südburgenland, however, actually began in mid-October. Here, the grapes were healthier and the yields were higher, thanks to the favourable weather conditions; the amount of rainfall was lower than in other areas.

One of the smallest harvests of the past 25 years
The Austrian 2010 harvest is expected to deliver one of the lowest yields in nearly 25 years. According to Statistik Austria, figures as of the end of October are pointing to a total volume of 1.76 million hectoliters, which is approximately 30% lower than the average annual yield of 2.5 million hl. The harvest in Burgenland was also smaller than in recent years - the yield is estimated at 27% less than the five year average.

The small harvest is a result of bad weather during the flowering period and a difficult fruit set. It will affect white wine more than red as some wine experts have confirmed: “This year's quantity is lower than the total normal wine consumption in Austria, which is an average of 2.4 million hl per year,” says Josef Pleil, president of the Austrian Viticulture Association - Österreichischer Weinbauverband. “It is especially dramatic for white wine, because there is none in stock at present due to the low harvest in 2009.”

Fruity, fragrant white wines and elegant, fruity red wines
What can consumers expect from the 2010 vintage?
Based on the grapes that were picked in time, a very fruity and robust vintage expressing good varietal and regional character is predicted. Yet even this good outcome has a downside: a 30% lower-than-average quantity is expected. From slender, fruity and acidity-accented wines to ripe and fully-balanced wines – everything is available from the 2010 vintage in Burgenland.  The widely preferred early harvest time (due to the health of the grapes) has delivered wines with moderate alcohol, supporting smooth drinkability.

We can look forward to fruity and fragrant white wines with a piquant acidity and, above all, brilliant fruit. For red wines, this vintage will be a fruity-spicy one. Sweet winemakers suffered heavy losses in terms of quantity. Botrytis wines impress with fruity elegance and the grapes meant for ice wines were ready to be picked at the beginning of December. The low temperatures and early harvest mean that 2010 is going to be a good vintage for ice wine.

The 2010 vintage is small but splendid!
Right from the start, the 2010 vintage proved to be a major challenge to the winemakers. The weather conditions demanded quick reactions in vineyard work, during the harvest, and finally for vinification. And yet again, Burgenland’s winemakers have proven that they have mastered their trade!

Christian Zechmeister, Managing Director of Wine Burgenland commented “Wine lovers can look forward to fruity, pure wines of moderate alcohol strength. If one looks at the past 15 years, 2010 was definitely one of the most difficult for winemakers. Despite this, Burgenland’s winemakers have demonstrated their outstanding skills and worked wonders in the cellars to ensure that the 2010 vintage turns out to be a good one”.