Wachau

1996 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Wachau, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 5 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 989 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.

The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 118mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.

**Style:** Lighter-bodied, early-drinking wines that prioritize charm over depth.