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Germany and Austria 2009


Surprise, surprise it was not only Bordeaux that performed in 2009. A four thousand kilometre tour in early, snowy March to 22 producers in 3 different countries convinced me that there are some real jewels to be snapped up, whether you’re one for the fuller bodied Austrians or the crystalline purity of German Riesling wines.
 
For the Germans, it seems the vintage benefited from the millerandage-induced effects of a cool flowering season (yields down significantly), a mild summer (no heat spikes) and a long dry harvest period that resulted in no panic picking. The result is perfect pitch, clear vineyard definition along with wonderful ripeness and spring-water like acidity. Indeed, so successful was the harvest that it was the first time that Helmut Dönnhoff has ever accumulated all the Pradikats in his cellar; he’s drawing comparisons with the likes of 1971!
 
It wasn’t hard to spot or smile at the high quality of the Austrian 2009 wines. A perfect harmony of richness and racy acidity; the Grüner Veltliner delicate yet expansively textured with flecks of white flowers, pepper and stone fruit, while the Riesling wines are compact and confident; especially those of the Lower Austria zones of Wachau, Kamptal and Kremstal.
 
This is an excellent vintage for both Austria and Germany. The Berrys’ team are great fans of these wines – for their purity and the wonderful mineral character, together with the huge potential they have to age and develop into really wonderful bottles. I urge you to indulge yourself, secure a case or two, and most importantly of all, enjoy some wonderful wine.

David Berry Green
Berrys' Germany and Austria Buyer 

Find out more about the 2009 German and Austrian Vintage by reading David Berry Green's full vintage report, scroll down for the complete list of wines in this offer or select by grower/producer:

Germany and Austria 2009