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(AWM, July 2003) For several weeks now, Austrian agriculture has been suffering from an acute lack of water.
Despite the country-wide drought the wine industry is not expecting any significant losses in yields. "Until now, the wine year was almost perfect," says AWM Director Michael Thurner. "A sunny August and a mild autumn without too much precipitation could yet make this a great year."
It is impossible as yet to estimate the yields for 2003. "Many growers are only just beginning with their green harvest," explains Michael Thurner. The weather during the harvest months of September and October will be crucial. Sunny autumn months allow the grapes to reach perfect maturity and therefore very high qualities. "If all goes well, the yields will be well within the average of the last five years," says an optimistic Michael Thurner.
Temperatures in the Burgenland were very hot in May, resulting in very early blossoming. A wet winter had allowed the soils to store sufficient moisture, and early growth was impressive. With up to 50ml precipitation last week, the drought is not yet thought to be serious in this area. Barring any surprises, the Burgenland producers are preparing for an early harvest in the first weeks of September.
In Styria, the picture has been very similar. Extremely early blossoming was followed by strong vegetative growth sustained by high moisture levels in the soils. Blossoming was short, and regular and ample precipitation (excepting some parts of eastern Styria) led to a development some three weeks ahead of average. Only individual dry spots in very exposed locations and newly-planted vineyards show any symptoms of lacking moisture. Assuming good further development, and a good autumn, Styria is looking forward to a great vintage.
Hail storms in May were devastating for the Vienna vineyards. Still, the losses are not total, and in many cases the vines compensated with secondary shoots. Generally, however, yields will be at least 50% below average. Long term damage to the vines seems to have been avoided. The prevailing dryness is not yet threatening here, but producers are hoping for a good spell of country rain.
The vineyards in Lower Austria show a similar development. Some individual sub regions, however, are beginning to suffer from the drought.
Despite its varied microclimates, the Weinviertel does not yet experience any problems. The vines planted on sandy, porous and hot soils, however, will need moisture soon. In the eastern Weinviertel, around Poysdorf, the situation is beginning to be critical, and thunderstorms have brought only local relief.
On many of the dry hills and terraces of the Wachau and Kremstal, irrigation systems, installed years ago to combat chronic water shortages, allow the vines to ripen under near-perfect conditions. The floods of the past years have also left behinds considerable subterranean reserves. Other regions in Lower Austria are not currently experiencing drought problems. Here, too, an early harvest in the first weeks of September is to be expected.
