The grape harvest is the smallest in 15 years

This year's grape harvest will produce 7.3 million hectoliters of grape must used in wine production in Germany, the German Wine Institute (DWI) announced on Tuesday. Thus, the harvest during this year's grape harvest in Germany is the smallest in 15 years.

They are 7 percent. lower than in the previous year and by 16 percent. lower than the ten-year average of 8.7 million hectoliters.

The last time winemakers in Germany harvested smaller crops was in 201015 years ago, 7.1 million hectoliters of grape must were produced from grapes.

Must is freshly squeezed grape juice, which contains not only the liquid itself, but also pulp, skins and seeds. It is an intermediate product produced in the first stage of wine production, before alcoholic fermentation begins.

The decline in production this year is attributed to significantly lower yields in Germany's four largest wine regions, Rhineland Hesse, Palatinate, Baden and Württemberg. Heavy rainfall in mid-September had a negative impact on grapes.

At the same time, the wine industry assures that this year's grape quality is considered exceptionally good. – The grapes were often smaller this year, but more aromatic. This should translate into wines with an intensely fruity flavor, said DWI spokesman Ernst Buescher. (PAP)

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