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After a warm spring and the exceptionally sunny midsummer, experts expect a particularly early start to the harvest this year, according to the German Wine Institute (DWI). According to the DWI, the development of the vines' ripeness is in some cases more than three weeks ahead of the long-term average and thus more advanced than in the past very warm years of 2003, 2007 or 2011.
All 13 regions from Saale-Unstrut to Baden report early grape ripening. The DWI therefore assumes that the harvest for Federweiß, for example in Rheinhessen or the Palatinate, will start as early as the beginning of August.
The decisive factor for this is the warmest April since weather records began, which led to a two week early blossoming. High temperatures and a long period of sunshine in summer additionally accelerated the further ripening process.
The persistent dryness has not yet caused the older vines any problems. With their roots up to twelve metres deep, they still reach water reserves in the soil; only younger plants now need partial irrigation.
According to the DWI, a very satisfactory hanging and health of the grapes currently give rise to hopes for a good 2018 vintage. However, a lot could still happen before the main harvest starts at the end of August. Until then, the winegrowers are hoping for a mix of sun and rain - without storm or hail - and a nice late summer for the harvest.
(uka / Photo: German Wine Institute)