The course of the year in the vineyard

The winter months of 2018/2019 were warmer than average, with some spring-like temperatures. With the exception of heavy snowfall in early February, the winter was also very dry. After a dry and warm March, April and May were quite wet, with May being cooler than usual for the season. Spring 2019 was characterized by extreme weather phenomena: the first hailstorms occurred as early as April. Several cold spells brought with them the risk of late frosts. Full bloom was delayed in 2019 due to changeable weather with significantly below-average temperatures, especially in May. This delay was also reflected in the start of ripening, which was 10-14 days later than the long-term average.

Late start to the harvest

The 2019 harvest in South Tyrol's vineyards began in late August and early September with the grapes for sparkling wine base wines. Farmers began the main harvest in mid-September – around two weeks later than in 2018. Good quality with some surprising wines The 2019 vintage scores highly for white wines with fresh, fruity aromas, pronounced acidity, elegant structure, and good potential – especially for wines from higher altitudes. Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Sylvaner score particularly well with their fresh, pleasant acidity and elegant structure. Gewürztraminer presents itself elegantly with ripe fruit. Sauvignon from the top vineyards impresses with crisp acidity and typical aromas.

The 2019 Vernatsch is very typical: fruity, juicy, with structure, elegance, and inviting drinkability. Pinot Noir, Lagrein, Merlot, and Cabernet presented the vintage with some challenges in the vineyards. They therefore still need time to mature to their full potential in the cellars. Due to a severe hailstorm, Lagrein yields in the classic vineyards around Bolzano were reduced by up to 70 percent. In the Eisack Valley and Vinschgau, the wines are fresh and acidic with intense fruit and less alcohol than in previous years. Across South Tyrol, harvest yields are around 10-15 percent below average.