Austria: Vintage 2021

A drier-than-usual winter continued through April before a wet May set in, delaying bud break and flowering. Austria avoided the late frosts, which affected other European wine regions. Sun and warm arrived in June though a hailstorm on June 24 damaged around 1,000 hectares in Weinviertal. Hail also affected the Wachau in July, as did the Mittelburgenland. August brought rain and cool temperatures, but sunny weather with cool nights defined the harvest–ideal conditions for aromatic white wines with lasting acidity and structured reds with complex aromas and flavors. Although the yield in Südsteiermark was the smallest since 2016, the harvest came in quickly thanks to healthy grapes with even ripening. Overall high acidities in the white wines, balanced alcohols, and concentrated flavors make 2021 an excellent vintage in Austria with classic typicité.