Vineyards, soils, climate
Our most important partners in the production of wine are soil and weather. Because of the ever-changing mood of the weather we want to be close to our vineyards so we can react quickly and correctly to special circumstances like drought, hail, storm or frost.
No matter if sand, gravel, loam or black earth - in and around Mönchhof we know the composition and condition of our soils very well and understand, which vine to plant where to achieve the best results. Our many years of experience on the various vineyard sites, like Kaiserberg, Rappühl, Pohnbühl, Langberg, Wiesacker or Herrenjoch, allow us to carry out the works in accord with nature and to produce the highest quality.
The sunny climate and rich soils of our area, together with the grape varieties favoured in our region, create the foundation for the creation of fascinating and delicious wines.
2011 was characterised by a very dry spring time. May was extremely warm and blooming started exceptionally early. Already on 26 May Zweigelt and Pinot Noir inflorescences started to bloom. The summer was warm but was interrupted by some cool weeks end of July/beginning of August, which slowed down the rapid ripening a bit. Nevertheless we started harvest really early and were able to finish it already on 6 October, thanks to the also wonderful autumn weather. So what does this year mean for...
...the grape suppliers: A dream. The grape material was remarkably healthy and beautiful.
...the winemaker: A challenge, because 14.5 or 15%vol are not uncommon. We constantly have to check that fermentation doesn't cause problems and vinification this time is really demanding.
...the consumer: Wine lovers can expect very strong, opulent and very ripe wines, which require a certain understanding. They will taste intense and probably also a bit atypical. But consumers will have to wait patiently for a little longer until the wines are ready for tastings...
2010 was a true challenge. The grapes couldn't develop after flowering and suffered from couluring. Also they ripened very late. Quantitywise this vintage is very small but the quality of the fruit is very satisfying.
2009 we have been very satisfied with the weather. It was very warm and dry with a long 'Altweibersommer' (Indian summer). Until October people were swimming in lake Neusiedl. The wines are therefore dark, powerful, with good structure and the typical tannins. They are comparable to vintages 2000, 2003 or 2006, although we are still learning and always trying to exceed previous vintages, no matter the weather...
2008 was a moist year and it was raining until shortly before the harvest. We did our best to keep the grapes healthy and have been rewarded with an outstanding autumn. The wines present a beautiful fruit and will develop exceptionally well in the years to come.
2007 was a remarkable year. Just like 2009 it was very warm and dry.
