Challenging weather, promising quality

Above-average rain continued through July, followed by dry warmth in August and early September. A sharp mid-September cooling slowed phenolic ripening. Heavy rain late in the month hindered Vernatsch and other late-ripening reds, sometimes preventing full maturity, but benefited late-harvest Gewürztraminer and Moscato Rosa. White grapes and Pinot Noir stood out, aided by lower crop volumes.