Austria Vintage Chart: 2010 to 2023

2023

Another very dry winter, leading to late budbreak. Abundant rain during flowering and again in August and September, after a hot, dry July, made for a challenging season. Careful selection was needed in most areas; Styria recorded its lowest yields since 2016. Those who could wait out the rains were rewarded with sunny, warm weather; in general, later-picked white wines and red wines excelled.

2022

Winter drought led to late budding, avoiding the risk of frost damage, but rain during flowering led to widespread issues with coulure and downy mildew. Summer was hot and very dry until 20 Aug, when rain began to fall, sometimes heavily, speeding up ripening. Volumes came in slightly higher than the long-term average (2.5 million hl v 2.4 million hl). Riesling, ripening later than Veltliner, was often able to hang on the vine longer. Reds also excelled. The vintage was favourable for sweet wine production, both botrytised and Eiswein, which was picked in December. See more detail here.

2021

A dry winter and a damp, stormy summer marked by summer hailstorms (especially in the Weinviertel, where 1,000 ha were badly damaged, and in parts of the Wachau) got the vintage off to a shaky start, but a glorious autumn of sunny days, cool nights and drying föhn winds allowed the grapes to ripen beautifully. Yields were average except in Styria, where a very dry winter and spring dropped yields to the lowest since 2016. Acidities were high, bringing extra precision to wines. Grüner Veltliner especially shines. See more detail here.

2020

Another fine vintage throughout the country with good freshness even if perhaps less concentration and potential for longevity.

2019

The year brought a return to form for Austria's whites with a combination of ripeness and precision, together with good site expression. The vintage is also regarded officially as 'historic' for red wines which should have good ageing potential, although they are in relatively short supply. See Julia's report here.

2018

Accelerated by the warm spring and hot summer, 2018 brought the earliest ever harvest in Austria. Yields were above average, with lower acidities than normal, especially in whites, many of which lack focus. Fully ripe reds are rather more promising, albeit in a concentrated style. See Jancis's report here.

2017

An abundant harvest, 25% higher than the five-year average. Very changeable weather throughout the season made for some challenging conditions, although the final quality at harvest is generally considered to be good. Very generally speaking, the wines are characterised by slightly higher-than-usual alcohol and concurrently lower acidity.

2016

Officially described as 'outstanding quality, characterised by particularly delicate fruit-driven aromatics and fresh acidity,' early signs of quality are good. Yields in Steiermark and Burgenland were reduced by frost and hail in April – in the former region by up to 80%. Then a wet summer gave rise to plentiful mildew, although conditions in early autumn were much more favourable and the resultant wines are thought to be of good quality, though not destined for long ageing.

2015

After the challenges of 2014, the 2015 harvest was far better. It was generally warm across the country, creating flavourful wines from all varieties. Both whites and reds are expected to display strong typicality with fuller-than-average body.

2014

Excessive rainfall and generally poor weather conditions made this the worst Austrian vintage in recent years.

2013

Very tricky weather conditions, from snow to flooding to drought, made 2013 a tough vintage. Nevertheless, Grüner Veltliner is particularly concentrated, while Riesling is acidic and austere. Reds are juicy and simple, and failed to reach the standard of 2012 and 2011. Very few sweet wines were made.

2012

May frost restricted yields in 2012, but the rest of the season was more favourable, and quality is good. Very generally speaking, Grüner Veltliner did better than Riesling, although health was good across all varieties. Reds are lower in alcohol and concentration than the much better 2011 vintage.

2011

Generous yields were welcome following several lean years. Hot weather resulted in relatively high alcohol levels, while acidity levels are low. Whites tend to be full bodied with good ageing potential and all red varieties fared well, with some declaring this vintage the best thus far for Austrian red.

2010

A challenging vintage, with cold, wet conditions throughout spring and summer. Yields were way below national average too. One to avoid?