Drought vintage: smaller quantity, but outstanding quality is expected

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 09. 11. 11:21

Due to the drought, this year’s vintage may be characterized by a smaller quantity, but potentially outstanding quality, winemakers told the Agricultural Sector. As a result of the lack of rainfall and the hot, sunny summer, smaller berries developed, which hid bright colors and high sugar content, combined with beautiful aromas in several wine varieties.

However, in the case of red wines, the positive effect has been exaggerated in some places: due to the excessive tannins, there is a danger that batches that initially promise to be good will show rough, scratchy marks. It depends on the expertise and caution of the winemakers to ensure that the 2024 vintage is stellar through gentle processing.

The drought period had different effects in different parts of the country, but in the southern regions, such as in the Szekszárd wine region, there has been almost no precipitation since the beginning of summer. According to winemaker András Takler, a 10-20 percent yield loss should be expected, and although the berries are shriveled and smaller, the alcohol content of red wines can be as high as 14-15%. However, he warned that the tannins should not be too concentrated.

Despite all this, the winemakers are optimistic, as András Takler put it: “It is in the deck that this year will be a good vintage.”