Dominik Mueller

The 2011 vintage in Germany is considered to be good to very good. In Rheinhessen, yields were relatively high at an average of 101 hectolitres per hectare and the grapes were ripe. Conditions were volatile throughout the year, however: Spring was warmer even than 2003, the hottest year on record in Germany so far. Flowering happened early as a result, which turned out to be problematic when spring frosts hit some parts of Rheinhessen and reduced yields for certain producers. The summer that followed was mostly damp. This was perhaps good news to begin with as it slowed down growth and ultimately helped the grapes to retain their freshness. It was more of a problem during late summer, when temperatures turned higher. Fungus pressure could have been an issue, but experienced producers managed to avert this. Conditions were more favourable come harvest time in October. The grapes were ripe and healthy for most growers. The 2011 wines from Rheinhessen will generally be accessible and ripe with a certain degree of freshness but not to the extent of cooler vintages. For whites, good to very good quality wines were produced in both dry and off-dry styles. Excellent vintage for sweet Rieslings (Spätlese and higher qualities).