We are sure that 2020 will remain in our memory for a long time – and not only because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the vineyards, we had to deal with conditions we have never had before. But this very exceptional year has produced – probably to console us – joyful wines with animating structure and elegant fruity appeal.

Winter was dry and mild. We were therefore pleased by the generous rainfall in February. The following very warm and dry months brought an unusual early blossom, so we were already aware of an early harvest by the end of May. Even though it was very dry, we sometimes had a bit of rain – at least in Graach. Unfortunately, one rainfall was also accompanied by hail. Our first impression was that the damage was negligible. But later in the year, it was obvious that many berries were affected. Along with sunburned berries, this led to time-consuming selections, but essential for the final quality.

Before picking, we went even more often to the vineyards to taste the grapes than we usually do. “Is it really possible that we have to start picking that early?” This was our daily question.

With the start of our harvest season on September 14, 2020, summer celebrated its comeback. Because of the heat we sometimes had to interrupt picking already in the early afternoon. At times, it was unbearably hot. Temperatures rose to 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which interrupted the maturation process until the end of September, because the vines switched to “self-preservation” to protect themselves. On the positive side, this “natural brake” enlarged our time window to do pre-selections quietly in all of our vineyards. This enabled us to pick Kabinett wines with lively acidity as well as fine Spätlese wines during this period. Towards the end of September, it cooled down enormously, and it also rained a bit from time to time. Around October 8, we received more rain and deferred picking more grapes until October 14 to let them dry again and, of course, to get more concentration and taste in the berries. Finally, we got the chance to select more very noble Spätlese grapes. On October 17, we luckily finished the picking season with marvelous Auslese grapes in the Domprobst vineyard.

We are very grateful that we all stayed healthy during the harvest. Everything else would have been a nightmare…

The grapes were perfectly healthy, too. Hence the noble sweet “peak” in 2020 is our Domprobst Auslese #11. Through all quality levels the wines show a very animating acidity, gripping minerality, good extracts, and expressive flavors, which showcase the vineyards in the usual manner. The young wines are all very elegant, full of character, and intense. We are very lucky!

Weingut Willi Schaefer, February 2021