From cellar to vineyard Januar 2013

The young wines are lying in casks or tanks; normally, nothing is fermenting. Due to the cold, wines that should continue to ferment are taking a temporary break. For certain wines, the only thing we're doing at the moment is very carefully stirring the lees now and then. That slightly enhances their structure. Otherwise, January is the month in which the cellar master likes to take a vacation. That promptly changes around the beginning of February when the first wines need to be filtered and basic, everyday wines are about to be bottled. Our Eiswein has finished fermenting and it tastes fantastic. It is truly a noble crowning touch to the extraordinary 2012 vintage.

The scene in the vineyards is quite different. In January, things are operating in high gear. Pruning must be completed. This year, we're scheduling pruning according to the "Sowing and Planting Calendar 2013" by Maria Thun. She was a pioneer of biodynamic agriculture. In countless trials she examined diverse influences - such as that of the moon - on plants, animals, and the weather. She transcribed her observations into practical guidelines and published them in an annual calendar. This year, we're going to follow her recommendations - not only with regard to pruning, but fundamentally.

By the way: in the meantime, we've tasted all of our young wines (cask samples) several times...2012 will be something quite special!