Strong Vintage 2025 for Viennese Winemakers
"We are in the middle of it," says Thomas Podsednik, managing director of the traditional house Mayer am Pfarrplatz. It is already becoming apparent that the 2025 vintage will be exceptional, Podsednik speaks of a "sensational vintage" - both in terms of quality and quantity.
Winemakers Expect Strong Vintage - Preparations for US Tariffs Underway
The same is likely to apply essentially to other wine-growing businesses in Vienna and throughout Austria. The reason was weather conditions optimal for viticulture and, above all, the absence of negative factors, says the winery manager. "Abundant rainfall in July, a dry August, cool nights, and the absence of hail and late frosts" promise positive yields and high-quality wines. At Mayer am Pfarrplatz alone, 5,000 to 6,000 tons of grapes are likely to be harvested again this year, as in the best years, and bottled into more than a million bottles.
The impact of the imposed US tariffs has so far been almost imperceptible, says Podsednik. There is still no pressure from this side, "but we are prepared." It is possible that the US tariffs will lead to a displacement in the wine trade. For example, larger wine-producing countries more affected, such as France or Spain, could try to compensate for losses in the USA by increasing deliveries, including to Austria. The USA has been imposing a 15 percent tariff on goods from Europe since early March.
Efforts are being made to minimize potential impacts through increased sales activities and the opening of new markets, says Pascal Raab, responsible for sales at Mayer am Pfarrplatz. Recently, new distribution channels to Canada have been established. There is also significant demand for wines from Austria in Asian countries, especially in Japan and South Korea. The winery Mayer am Pfarrplatz exports around a quarter of its production. The USA is one of the most important export markets. Especially on the US East Coast, "Wine from Austria" is appreciated for its fruitiness.
Non-Alcoholic Wine - An Interesting Niche Topic
While Lower Austria primarily scores with Grüner Veltliner, Viennese winemakers mainly focus on the Gemischter Satz. In this wine, several grape varieties are planted, harvested, and pressed together. In contrast, with a cuvée, several varieties are harvested separately and only mixed at the end. Since 2013, the Wiener Gemischter Satz has been recognized as a DAC quality wine, making the name a protected designation of origin.
Noticeable growth, albeit at a low level, is recorded for non-alcoholic or reduced-alcohol wine. The offering meets the demand of young people for less alcohol. The basis is classic wines from which the alcohol is removed at the end. This additional step is also the reason why non-alcoholic or low-alcohol wines are generally priced higher than conventional products. Podsednik is convinced that 0.0 percent alcohol in wine will remain a niche topic. "Those who enjoy a glass of wine will not switch."
The grape harvest at Nussberg is expected to continue until the end of October. The premium sites such as Ried Langteufel or Ried Preussen will be harvested last. By then, the first wines of the new vintage will have long been on the market. The first bottles of the "Young Viennese 2025" are hitting the market these days. This year's edition consists of 60 percent Müller-Thurgau and 40 percent Grüner Veltliner and has an alcohol content of 12 percent.
(APA/Red)
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