12/6/12

German vintage 2012


Vintage 2012 – Ripe and Healthy Grapes Guarantee High Quality

 

The bottom line: crop quality and harvest conditions in Germany was influenced not only by months of capricious weather but also by consistent, quality-oriented work in the vineyards
that resulted 2012 to be one of the top vintages with broad selection of first class wines.

FRANKEN

Thanks to a predominantly healthy crop, growers are optimistic about the potential quality of the new vintage.
The weather was good as preliminary harvesting began and Riesling grapes were in top form and nearly all were of Prädikat-level quality.
Growers anticipate powerful, yet fruity, wines that are brilliant and elegant.

RHEINHESSEN

The crop was healthy and ripe ready to be harvested by early October, followed by completely ripened and aromatic Riesling grapes at the end of the month. Quality was above average.
Good, solid everyday wines as well as first-class wines from individual sites are expected.

NAHE

Unfortunately, some estates report quantities well below the average of recent years, especially with regard to the Pinots Grau- and Weissburgunder.
Harvesting in the small region began in mid-October. The crop – particularly Riesling, the region’s leading variety – was ripe and aromatic. Optimal acidity levels promise firm wines.

BADEN

Germany’s third-largest growing region reports low yields in 2012, In general, the crop was healthy and must weights were decent.
All grape varieties reflect a very homogenous vintage. Despite their youth they are powerful wines with an excellent balance of fruit and body.

MOSEL, SAAR & RUWER

Along the Mosel, the harvest began in mid-October and the Vintage 2012 is marked by clean fruit aromas; high must weights; racy, refreshing acidity; and a mineral-based expressiveness.
The grapes along the Saar and Ruwer reached optimal ripeness and were highly concentrated. The 2012 wines are expected to be firm and exceptionally aromatic.

PFALZ

Growers in the Pfalz were able to harvest thoroughly healthy grapes with decent must weights. Varying levels of ripeness made it necessary to harvest selectively, in several stages.
The young wines – Pinots and Riesling alike – show a high level of quality and finesse.

RHEINGAU

September enabled healthy grapes to develop and achieve high levels of ripeness. Cooler nighttime temperatures helped preserve acidity and Riesling had reached optimal ripeness.
Extremely intense flavors and harmonious acidity were the hallmarks of the crop.
Depending on location, yields varied considerably among sites.
 
 



 

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