The Heat is On: A cluster of Zweigelt grapes in Burgenland are literally sun-burned, a new and unfortunate condition in the region, according to young winemaker Anton M Iby of the world-class and exclusively red wine-producing IBY. Anton indicated that the climate is clearly beginning to change in this area, and it’s no longer unusual for spring temperatures to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for extended time. This heat, combined with new rainfall trends which mimic Southern Spain, were not what his family had in mind when they planted the sensitive and somewhat vulnerable variety decades ago. His father, Anton Sr, has been cultivating in the region for 25 years, and appears to be convinced that global warming is real and closing in fast on this part of Europe.
Down Time: The view down a leisurely street in a commercial section of Graz, the second-largest city in Austria. This clean and colorful place has a feel that reminds me of a larger-scaled Hudson River town, complete with shops, cafés, bicyclists, students and esoteric goings-on. Yeah, I could live here.
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