WeinBrief 21.03.2012
Dear Friends of the Alois Lageder Winery,
Around the Vernal Equinox, there’s always a feeling of expectancy in the air. Here in Magrè, the almond, peach, and cherry trees are already starting to bloom, and in the vineyards, the grapevines are budding. But at a vineyard managed according to the principles of biodynamic cultivation, the period of vegetative rest of the past few months has not been wasted. Thus, in early-January, after the first New Moon, the vines were pruned – this is the optimal moment for this task because the plants are then able to quickly regain their vitality and focus their energies.
At that time, we observed a very good growth of the woody parts of the plants – a result of the biodynamic methods and a prerequisite for the harmonious growth of the grapevines.
Horn silica – one of the preparations developed by Rudolf Steiner – is traditionally formulated in the quiet time between Christmas and New Year. Quartz crystals are pounded to a fine dust and then later filled into cow horns and buried in the ground for the summer. During the formation of the fruit, this preparation is applied and helps the plants to develop a better structure and tastier, healthier fruit.
For the whole of the winter, a ‘special unit’ was also at work at our vineyards at Römigberg and in Magrè. Our herd of sheep was allowed to graze everywhere and ‘massaged’ and thus loosened the soil with their hooves. Besides that, the animals fertilize the soil on the basis of the plants that grow there. For us, this is an important step towards restoring harmony in cultivated Mother Nature.
One highlight of the year at our winery is the Summa (www.summa-al.eu), which will take place on March 25-26. This event focuses on the wine country of Italy – but we are also pleased to welcome Salomon Estate, our first Australian winery, as a guest. Further, several colleagues from Germany who likewise employ biodynamic methods, including Philipp Wittmann or Steffen Christmann, will also be there. Because in particular more-mature vintages have a special place in our hearts, the wine journalist Joel Payne will be commenting on vertical tastings of vintages from Italy, Germany, and Austria. We'll also be offering a multi-facetted schedule of seminars– from the geneticist José Vouillamoz, the geologist Carlo Ferretti, all the way up to the Finnish solar cook Annto Melasniemi.
Last but not least, the Summa is of course the ideal opportunity to taste our latest wines right on-site. Our 2011 White Wines are robust, typical for the variety, and well-balanced. But we are especially pleased by the excellent Red Wine year we've seen. The Pinot Noir, but also the Lagrein and the Cabernet Sauvignon already demonstrate a tremendous potential.
We are looking forward to your visiting us in the spring in Magrè!
Cordially,
Alois Lageder
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