2024 Grüner Veltliner

“Kamptal was terribly hit by frost,” Fred Loimer said, noting that this cost him 40% of yield. The hot summer meant ripeness accelerated for Grüner Veltliner, while Riesling slowed down. “We had a plan and put our harvest start date forward to 20 August for Sekt base and we finished on 23 September, earlier than ever before. This was only because we had to pause due to rain.” Between 80–85% of the fruit was picked before the rain, including lesser sites along the Kamp that became flooded. Only a few days of picking remained after the rain. The frost-affected sites were harvested last, as they required the most sorting for the least yield. Picking resumed two days after the rain, and the fruit was transported in small boxes on carts to avoid compacting the sodden soil with a tractor. The 2024 regional and village wines show a little less concentration than usual, but are clean and expressive. Looking ahead, Loimer plans to use field blends for any sites requiring replanting, with the first such plantings set for Steinberg (Weissburgunder, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for Sekt base), and later on the Käferberg with Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling and Chenin Blanc.