Germany: Favourable Conditions for a Good Vintage in 2008

The harvest of early ripening, local varietals began in mid-August in Germany. The juice of these grapes will be consumed locally in the form of the popular seasonal specialty “Federweisser” – grape juice in the process of fermenting. Weather conditions during the past months have been quite favourable for grape growth and ripening. At this time, development is one to two weeks earlier than the long-term norm and the grapes are quite healthy.

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The start of the main harvest for wine production is likely to take place in the second half of September. Ernst Büscher of the German Wine Institute/Mainz states that “grape development is well ahead of schedule and this bodes well for vintage 2008. Yield prognoses are also satisfactory at this stage.” Weather conditions during the next few weeks will decisively influence the overall quality of the crop. Moderate temperatures and not too much precipitation would be ideal.

Druckansicht

Wines of Germany to expand Irish activities

2009 will see the Wines of Germany representation in Ireland double its activities here. This was confirmed at the Generation Riesling event in Dublin on 9th September, where eight young German vintners showcased their exciting Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) wines. One of the highlights on next year’s agenda will be a Riesling & Co. event for the Irish wine trade and interested consumers in June with up to 20 participating German vintners.

Young wine producers make their mark

Eight young winegrowers from Germany have presented their wines at a Generation Riesling event in Dublin on 9th September. Hosted by the German Ambassador H. E. Christian Pauls and organised by the Dublin based Wines of Germany representation, the main focus clearly was on exciting Riesling wines, with high-quality Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) wines also attracting great interest.

In Vogue: German Light Wines

Light, fruity wines that are low in alcohol are a trademark of German vintners, whose vineyards are among the most northerly in the world, and where conditions for producing light wines are ideal. Ernst Büscher of the German Wine Institute in Mainz states that “in Germany’s wine-growing regions, grapes have a very long time to ripen and develop considerable aromas and flavours.

Harvest 2009: "A Truly Great Vintage"

After a year of nearly perfect weather, wine-growers in all 13 German wine-growing regions are extremely pleased with the quality of the 2009 crop. "This year will go down in history as a truly great vintage," predicted Norbert Weber, president of the German Wine-growers' Association/Bonn.