Dhe grape harvest in most German wine regions turned out better than was to be expected after the dry summer. According to the German Wine Institute in Mainz, the latest estimates of the harvest in Germany are around nine million hectoliters. This would be an increase of two percent compared to the ten-year average and six percent compared to the previous year.
According to the Wine Institute, the heavy rainfall in September was the main reason for the higher yields. They allowed the ripe grapes to plump up again after the dry summer. In the 13 German growing regions, however, the yield estimates vary greatly depending on the distribution of precipitation, the range of grape varieties and soil conditions.
Volumes in Hesse are only slightly above average
Significant increases in volume are particularly evident in Saale-Unstrut with an increase of 23 percent and on the Ahr and in Baden, each with an increase of 13 percent above the average yield. Slightly below-average yields are expected for the Moselle (minus seven percent) and Rheinhessen (minus two percent).
In the Rheingau, 219,000 hectoliters are expected (average yield 213,000), on the Hessian Bergstrasse 31,000 hectoliters (average 30,000 hectoliters). The September precipitation meant that the sugar content in the grapes of late-ripening grape varieties such as Riesling remained moderate despite the very sunny summer.
According to the Wine Institute, the young wines are therefore “leaner” than in the previous hot years. Nevertheless, the wines are “highly aromatic and with harmonious fruit acid levels”. This corresponds “perfectly to the general consumer trend”. The qualities of the other white wine varieties are also highly praised, above all those from the Pinot family.
The red wines were among the winners of the 2022 vintage because the red grapes would have benefited the most from the sunniest summer since weather records began. Consumers could look forward to “very colorful and fruity red wines with soft tannins”.