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[Back] 2007 vintage report - Contented faces everywhereLife as a wine grower really can be relaxing! In effect, 2007 was such a memorable year that you can see contented faces everywhere and great relief among growers for the 2007 harvest.
Neither quality nor quantity was lacking – we are totally happy. The high summer temperatures in April augured another great vintage. There was not a single day when temperatures fell below 20° C (70F). Record sunshine hours supported by early spring humidity caused the vines to grow rapidly and led to the earliest flowering since the legendary 1921 vintage. By the end of May the development of the vines was four weeks ahead of usual. Thereafter, there was a normal summer and an early autumn, interrupted by a short heat wave in the middle of July. The development of the vines and the ripening of the grapes were ideal – not too much heat but sufficient rain and sunshine that promised an early start for picking.
We began with the pre-harvest picking of Riesling on the 1st of October and sunny, dry conditions with cool nights continued throughout the month. The grapes were ripe and extremely healthy, in contrast with those of 2006.
In a good year, from the end of the flowering to the start of picking usually takes 100 days but in 2007 it took 135 days. This slow ripening permitted Riesling to acquire a fresh, high mineral structure as in 2004, with crystal clear flavours and a lovely fruit balance. We picked grapes for the entire spectrum of styles from Qualitätswein right up to Trockenbeerenauslese. All that is left are the grapes for Eiswein in the Mülheimer Helenenkloster vineyard, awaiting a deep frost to complete the vintner’s joy. The 2007 vintage might be compared in quantity and in quality with the splendid 1983 vintage.
The appreciation of Riesling grows exponentially all over the world, though we have great concern over the catastrophic weakness of the US dollar. To meet rising demand, we continue to invest in top vineyards, mainly in Wehlener Sonnenuhr where Flurbereinigung (the reconstruction of access to the vines) is finally under way on this steep mountain.
Having celebrated his 90th birthday, Oekonomierat Horst Richter decided to retire slowly, though it is not an easy thing to do for a totally devoted winegrower. Our son Constantin is living in the Rheingau and studying at the European Business School in Oestrich, before attending the University of Viticulture and Oenology in Geisenheim. When he has completed his education he wants, as the 10th generation, to join our Company that was established in 1680.
Mülheim/Mosel, 30th November 2006
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