Wachau 1997 Vintage Report
Defining the 1997 vintage in Wachau requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 13 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1112 GDD, the summer never really spiked in temperature, favoring the development of fresh aromatics over sheer power.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 62mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.
About Wachau
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Wachau valley produces Austria's finest white wines. Its steep stone terraces yield Grüner Veltliner and Riesling of great power, purity, and mineral depth.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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