Every year we look forward to sending you this offer, the Skurnik German & Austrian DI, our biggest of the year. Skurnik has not only the largest collection of wines from these two countries, but also one of the most dynamic.
We feel it's the very best way to get these wines into your hands and into your glasses, many of which are only available through this sale and offered at the lowest possible prices.
We've created this comprehensive guide, to answer all these questions and more. Below you will find in-depth producer profiles, highlights about the region, links to our blog series and much more. Whether you are just starting your Teutonic journey, or are a seasoned explorer, our hope there is that there is something for everyone.
Get access to the presale
Only registered users with direct-import (DI) accounts can shop the more than 700 wines in this year's sale.
Get started by requesting your special DI account today. Once we approve your request, you'll be ready to shop!
How does a direct-import (DI) presale work?
- Access an Entire Catalogue of Wines - They come from a single, highly lauded importer, Skurnik Wines & Spirits, and are listed at the best possible prices.
- Send us your Request - Email it over, you can use this order form to see all the wines and prices. It must be received by Friday, July 11th
- Receive a Quote - Please check it carefully for accuracy, this is what we submit to the supplier. No changes after July 12th.
- Confirmations & Cuts - An invoice will be emailed as your confirmation, usually by the end of the summer. Some of these wines are very limited and we can't always get everything we ask for. If we have to cut any of your requests we will let you know at this point.
- You Pay - We ask for your firm commitment to pay for your order when invoiced.
- Receive your Wines - Usually between September & December, when the producers feel the wines are ready they are bottled and shipped to us. As soon as your order is packed we will let you know. We ask you take your wines as soon as possible.
EXPLORE THE PRESALE
With more than 700 wines to choose from, we decided to organize this year's presale into parts.
Featured Producers
Let us pick for you
Handpicked bundles that won't disappoint.
I don't know anything about German or Austrian wine, where should I start?
We want to be your guide to the delicious adventure that is German and Austrian wine!
You can start by read everything we've written on Austria here and all our German content here. Those two sources will give you everything from the basics (like how to decode their labels), to deep dives on the varied regions, to our thoughts on what the future holds for these two beloved wine countries, and a whole lot more.
Do vintages matter in Germany & Austria?
Yes, and no. These are cool to moderate, continental climate wine countries, which means they can experience can see drastically different weather conditions from year to year. Vines and their resulting wines are sensitive to this these patterns and will demonstrate features reflective of the vintage.Generally the producers that we feature are all of such high quality that even though there are vintage variations, they are to be celebrated, not feared. Meaning most of us will find plenty to enjoy no matter the year.
How was the 2023 vintage?
Germany
The 2023 vintage was one of extremes yet resulted in some extraordinary wines. The vegetation cycle began early due to a warm, dry start to the year which was temporarily slowed in early August by significant rainfall. The rain provided an important relief for the vines as they regained some strength and composure for the final push to phenolic ripeness. It was an intense harvest from the beginning where timing was everything. Arriving at a vineyard or parcel a day late could mean a 1.5-degree oechelse swing with botrytis completely changing the complexion of a wine. These extreme conditions required an intense selection process, and growers who work without botrytis like Dönnhoff, were able to navigate the situation gracefully. The resulting wines maintained elegance and precision with a warm core and ripe acidity. It’s a vintage that will hold up over time but is especially giving in its youth.
Austria
The start to the growing season began a bit later in Austria than it did in Germany. The winter was cool, so bud break didn’t start until late April, with flowering following soon after, with the heat holding off until June. Once the heat came, like in Germany, it didn’t recede until August when a significant amount of rain joined the party. This also created conditions for hail, which was particularly difficult in the Kamptal with Kaferberg, Lamm, & Gaisberg most significantly affected. Like 2022, rigorous preselection was necessary to achieve to the best results, but unlike 2022, must weights weren’t low. So, for those who are looking for more power, 2023 is the vintage for you. After the hail and just before harvest the weather turned dry and windy which prevented the spread of rot and made it easier to select out the bad bunches. 2023 is an incredibly aromatic vintage and one that both sommeliers and everyday consumers will enjoy alike.
The lowdown on recent vintages
Germany
2022
2021
A consistently cooler growing season produced perfectly balanced wines. A throwback.
2020
Filigreed, elegant and just delicious. It was the 3rd hot, dry year in a row, but the wines managed to have more acidity than the previous two and a delicate lift to them. Not as powerful as the 2019's or ripe at the 2018's. This is a drink me now vintage, but top wines will hold just fine.
2019
Powerful, cellar-worthy wines. The best winemakers made incredible wines, as usual. Careful fruit selection lowered production, but preserved acidity, which is complemented by a mineral and herbal focus rather than plush fruit. The yields were low and there are precious few left in the market, but what is out there is worth picking up.
Austria
2022
2021
Pure pleasure after a perfect vintage. It's the stuff wine makers' dreams are made of - wines that are crystal clear, fully ripe, yet pure, mineral and perfectly balanced by a sizzling burst of acidity. A vintage to continue to go deep on for enjoying now and adding to the cellar. Offering wines that are complete and good quantities.
2020
A classic charming vintage. There was cooler weather than 2017, 2018 and 2019 producing balanced wines with good acid and low alcohol wines with singing aromatics.
2019
2019s are LEGENDARY. For the third decade in a row, the vintage ending in 9 is absolutely superb. Critics and producers alike refer to it as "historic." The wines are balanced, with high acidity, concentrated fruit, intense perfume, and pure varietal typicity. Yields were good, making this a year to go deep for the cellar and buy across the board.