Vintage report 2020

Careful selection, challenging weather conditions and excellent white wines

As in everyday life, 2020 was a crazy year also for our grapes. High amounts of precipitation, up to 400 ml of rain within 5 weeks demanded a lot of patience and commitment from our 190 members. The Schiava growers especially were put to the test by the abundant rainfall and the warm temperatures before the harvest. Through careful selection and flexibility, which was only possible thanks to our small-structured cooperative, good to exceptional qualities have been harvested. Long and intensive days and nights faced our cellar team as up to 6 varieties and up to 10 different qualities of these varieties have been processed in one day.

Despite the capricious weather, most of the white varieties have been harvested with perfect ripening. Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Müller Thurgau and Kerner are exceptional this year. As in most vintages, the higher elevated white wine vineyards showed the best qualities. All in all, the white wines can be compared to the great 2019 vintage with lots of typicity, fruit and finesse. We are particularly excited about our top whites: these are still maturing in large or small oak casks and are very promising due to their firm structure.

Regarding the reds, Merlot and Lagrein are of excellent quality. With their strong tannin structure they promise a high aging potential and we can already speak from a century vintage.
The Schiava wines of the SELECTION line are more light-bodied this year due to the earlier harvest. It was interesting to see that our oldest and best Schiava plots of our SONNTALER withstood the difficult conditions. Age and exposure of the vines are even more essential in such conditions. Therefore, the Schiava SONNTALER, which vines are 60 to 90 years old, is of very good quality.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were harvested earlier but with good values. Overall, the 2020 red wine vintage is characterized by an alpine freshness and promises a lot of drinking pleasure.

While the individual qualities are now gently maturing in our cellar, we are already looking forward presenting you the new vintage. Hopefully again in good company, at your place or in our new wine shop!

Othmar Doná
winemaker