Rheingau

Defining the 1997 vintage in Rheingau 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 16 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

It was a cool, classical season. Reaching only 1038 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 54mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.