German Wine Growers Expect a Good Vintage in 2007

At the start of the main grape harvest, which will begin throughout wine growing country within the next few days, German wine growers are optimistic about this year’s vintage. Must weights are already considerably higher than those of a year ago. Furthermore, the ripeness level of the grapes is some 10-14 days ahead of normal, thus giving growers leeway in determining when to harvest.

Vintage 2007, Germany; photo: © DWI

MAINZ. According to the president of the German wine growers’ Association/Bonn, Norbert Weber: “If the current stable and relatively dry weather pattern holds, and thanks to the early ripening of the grapes, growers have time to decide on the optimal time to harvest in order to maximize the aromas in the grapes.”

Yield Expectations of +10%

As the German Wine Institute/Mainz explained, wine lovers can expect full-bodied wines with a pronounced fruitiness in 2007. Furthermore, there will be sufficient quantities available. The overall expected yield in Germany is ca. 10 million hectoliters, some 5% more than the 10-year-average and 13% more than the year before. “After two years of relatively small harvests and a concomitant increase in demand for German wines at home and abroad, cellar stocks are nearly depleted,” says Monika Reule, managing director of the German Wine Institute/Mainz. “All involved in the wine market would welcome the anticipated yields and qualities.”

Due to short supplies this year, wine estates could not always fully fulfill customers’ wishes. As a result, direct sales at wine estates decreased by 15.8% during the first half of 2007 compared with the first half of 2006. Nevertheless, with a market share of 46.2% in terms of volume and 51.9% in terms of value of all wines purchased in Germany, wines of German origin remain by far the market leader in the domestic market.