We’re Due a Bumper Result from Eastern European Wines this Year
Posted on Mon 9th Nov 2015 at 15:59
After a challenging 2014, Eastern European winemakers are rejoicing at this year’s harvest, which has proved to be much better than expected.
Stobi winemaker Dane Jovanov has been in touch to explain how this year’s grapes have been produced by something of a ‘fairytale’. “In comparison with 2014, when the mildew has destroyed half of our expected quantities, this year the health condition of the grapes was perfect and the yield itself was above our expectations. However, the real drama happened in August, when temperatures of over 40 degrees lasted the whole month. These were quickly followed by the heavy rains at the end of September, which continued into October. The high August temperatures slowed the grapes’ ripening process, and they had then been exposed to rain before they were ripe. This has changed the planned dynamics of harvest and resulted in minor health problems on the late varieties. Yet the end result was very good: the grapes have less sugar than normal, and higher acidity, creating a perfect natural balance.” It’s not just Macedonia that’s experiencing a great year – Slovenia is also predicting an exceptional vintage. Wine producer P&F Wineries has stated that this year’s wines will rival those of 2011, and that they will be streets ahead of last year’s disastrous rain-soaked harvest in terms of both volume and quality. The wine producers told the Drinks Business that this year will result in mature, elegant wines from late varieties thanks to abundant summer sunshine, and highlights from aromatic wines such as Muscat and Sauvignon.