Gruner Veltliner is every bit as Austrian as the Blue Danube waltz!

Tasting Notes

Colour

Pale lemon yellow with green tinges.

Nose

Delicate aromas of pear, kiwi, apricot and white spice. 

Palate

On the palate stone fruit flavours and white pepper lead to a gently textured, mineral and citrus finish.

Producer

The Sepp Moser Estate was founded by the famous Austrian wine producing pioneer, Lenz Moser. Lenz Moser's son, Sepp Moser, began operating under his own name in 1987, and handed over the direction of this family-owned estate to his own son Nikolaus in the year 2000.

The Sepp Moser Estate comprises of 50 acres of vineyards in two prominent wine regions; Kremstal (22 ha) and Neusiedlersee (28 ha). In the Kremstal, Nikolaus produces an international range of varieties as well as the ever more important local varieties of Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. The reds are produced on the gravelly soils of the warm southern Neusiederslee village of Apetlon. All Sepp Moser wines have been organic (and all estate wines biodynamic) since 2007.

Production Method

The majority of the Gruner Veltliner grapes for this dry white were grown on the steep, rocky terraces of Rohrendorf in Kremstal and the surrounding area. The löss soil on these steep terraces is rich in lime and sediments from the last ice age, and can be up to 35 metres thick! Vines are trained on high trellises, with grapes organically produced and hand harvested. Grapes are destemmed and crushed and the must left to settle for 3-4 hours before pressing. Fermented and aged in stainless steel.

A Note on Sustainability

The Sepp Moser estate produces a wide range of wines every year thanks to its vineyards in two diverse regions. There is one main aim in the cellar: the quality of the grapes shall be brought with as little influence as possible to the bottle. The grapes in the Sepp Moser vineyards are harvested by hand and at the cellar of the Atrium House Nikolaus Moser emphasises gentle vinification and tries to interfere as little as possible with the process so that each wine can develop its own individual style. The fermentation starts spontaneously, and the maturing of the wine takes place on its own.

In 2006, Nikolaus officially moved the estate to biodynamic viticulture – one of the first to do so in Austria – and became Demeter certified. 2009 saw the release of Sepp Moser’s first certified organic wines. Nikolaus is very keen to reduce the amount of copper and sulphur used in the vineyards, and this year saw a reduction of two thirds over what was sprayed previously. He composts all the estates pomace and vine trimmings, and there is an ongoing effort to plant trees around the vineyards.

Specifications

A vibrantly fruity, organically produced, red from this characterful indigenous Austrian variety.

Tasting Notes

Fruity and perfumed nose showing blackberries, white pepper and spice. Bright sappy palate with fresh acidity, crunchy redcurrant and raspberry fruit, and layers of spice, liquorice and herbs.

No Tricks, Just Wine

This Sauvignon-Pinot Gris blend is a revelation! A truly sophisticated wine, full of finesse and soft tones, with Burgundy elegance and reserved coolness. A fascinating, sensuous palate, with fully mature flavours, which impresses from the first sip. The herbaceous tang of Sauvignon creates a fine balance of sweet fruitiness and crisp acidity.

Tasting Notes

Producer

Organic, Biodynamic, young, trendy, and Austrian! Michael Opitz is part of the new generation of wine growers, no longer producing mainstream but rather, distinctive, confident wines. The personality of this winegrower is reflected in the style of the wines, which are considered and confident without excessive inclination towards the dramatic. Michael Opitz also particularly values sustainability in the winery. This includes improvements in the vineyard and in the cellar as well as considerations concerning transport, packaging materials and many other aspects.

Alan's Personal Notes

"This one was labelled 'natural' not orange but still a decent colour extracted. With Sauv Blanc being the lead varietal - it’s certainly the more commercial of the two whites he produces. Equally magnificent but still difficult to recognise any particular fruit aromas or flavours - but again multi-layered, complex, and with great length - and again that saline finish. Just shades it to be my favourite of the two - but Di preferred last night. Definitely a winemaker to watch." January 2022

Specifications

Textured, rich style of Riesling from the famous Gebling vineyard.

Tasting Notes

Honeyed nose with aromas of red apple skin and dried apricots. The palate has more honeyed apricot and white spice notes - rich and textural with a long, broad and dry finish. 

A delicious example of this classic Austrian varietal elegant - juicy, ripe and generous. A wine that would appeal equally to Argentinian Malbec drinkers as to your Austrian Zweigelt drinkers.

Tasting Notes

Ripe cherry, herbal and cedar wood aromas. The palate has good weight with juicy plum and red berry fruit, bright acidity, supple balancing tannins and a bitter cherry twist on the finish. 

Top quality, biodynamic, Gruner Veltliner from the Terrassen single vineyard.

Tasting Notes

Citrus and herbal aromas - with typical spicy Veltliner notes and hints of green pepper. The palate has mineral and flinty characters, oriental spice, and fresh citrus acidity on the finish. 

No Tricks, Just Wine

This is an 'Orange Wine' - produced like a classic red wine, but from white grapes. The intensive aroma of Traminer and the creaminess of Chardonnay are complemented by a fine tannin structure.

Tasting Notes

Producer

Modest Michael Opitz feels passionately about sustainability and quality and so decided to take the small family winery into being organic and as natural as possible on every level. All the wines are defined by their environment. The Neusiedlersee or Seewinkel, is a saltwater lake that, in this flat, warm part of Austria, brings tempering breezes, freshness and protection from disease. The wines as a result are tremendously pure, fresh, fragrant and yet salty.

Specifications

No Tricks, Just Wine

Buddy Talk White is a wine for every occasion. Unobtrusive, adaptable and flattering. Organic.

Tasting Notes

The quintessence of the Seewinkel region. Combines the typical white grape varieties of the region in one harmonious, fruity, charming cuvée. A companion for hot summer days, which also gives pleasure in the winter. Simply casual.

Buddy Talk is made from a unique combination of Muskat Ottonel, Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It is made with minimal intervention and is the quintessence of the Seewinkel region, combining the typical white grape varieties of the region in one harmonious, fruity, charming cuvée. Tart, crisp and nice citrus and tropical fruit.

Producer

Modest Michael Opitz feels passionately about sustainability and quality and so decided to take the small family winery into being organic and as natural as possible on every level. All the wines are defined by their environment. The Neusiedlersee or Seewinkel is a saltwater lake that, in this flat, warm part of Austria, brings tempering breezes, freshness and protection from disease. The wines as a result are tremendously pure, fresh, fragrant and yet salty.

Alan's Personal Tasting Notes

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Accolades

• Chardonnay BA 2016
  • IWC London: Bronze medal (86 Points)
  Chardonnay BA 2015
  • IWC London: Silver medal (92 Points)
  Chardonnay BA 2010
  • IWC London: Gold medal (95 Points)

Specifications

The white “Prieler Classic” - a very classy wine - an elegant and juicy alternative to the Grüners and Rieslings for which Austria is better known.

Tasting Notes

Bright gold yellow, delicate fresh pear, a touch of orange zest, subtle herbal spice, refreshing structure, sweetly extracted on the elegant finish.

Producer

Georg Prieler, aided in the vineyards by his sort-of-retired father Engelbert, is in charge now. They are a long and well-established family, and at any visit, tasting or conversation there is a clear sense that they have found “their” style and know exactly what to do. That’s not at all to say they rest on their laurels, despite being enormously successful in Austria, and Georg is well-travelled with a strong enthusiasm to learn and experiment. The vineyards are situated on the Western side of Lake Neusiedl, and lie mostly on sun-exposed Southern and Eastern slopes. The lake provides a perfect micro-climate with mild temperatures throughout the year.

The flagship wine is the Blaufränkisch from the Goldberg vineyard which is highly reputed as one of the top red wines in Austria. Challenging Goldberg however is Leithaberg. Like Goldberg, it is 100% Blaufränkisch, but it uses no new oak, so is perhaps more in tune with the style of our times. Its name is shared, of course by the new DAC Leithaberg. This is named after the Leitha hills, where slate and marine limestone dominate, giving a very fresh, almost chalky note to the wines and a tightly woven structure. 

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Colour

Medium yellow-green, silver reflections. 

Nose

Inviting bouquet with fine herbal savouriness, fine blossom honey and delicate yellow tropical fruit.

Palate

Complex, juicy palate with fine notes of honeydew melon, well balanced with dark minerality on the finish and good length. 

Producer

The Wachau valley is one of the most beautiful historic landscapes in the world and has been included, since 2000, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Here in between the Danube on the one side and the mountains on the other side is the of the village of Spitz located

Five generations of Hirtzbergers have lived here, tending the vines which have been planted in the Wachau Valley the 13th Century. Today wine is produced with all the modern know-how at our disposal, but still following the tradition of the Wachau valley and our family.

Accolades

• 91 points Stephen Reinhardt, Wine Advocate (March 2020)

Specifications

According to myth the Rote Tor (red gate) is part of the old town wall, which was saturated with blood, during the Swedish Wars in 1630. 

Tasting Notes

This is a classic Grüner, savory and lean, yet elegant with just a touch of ripe stone fruit. Federspiel is the middle-level ripeness designation in the Wachau.

The Wine

Benchmark producer Hirtzberger’s top Grüner Veltliner comes from the Rotes Tor 'red gate' vineyard in the western Wachau, a cooler site on mica and schist, leading to a wine that is extraordinarily deep and complex. 

A blend from their Grüner Veltliner vineyards. The grapes are picked 2-3 weeks before the Smaragd harvest. 

Accolades

Specifications

A natural wine in every sense of the word. Slightly wild but with enough balance and restraint to retain classic Grüner characters. From Sepp Moser's organic, biodynamic estate.

Tasting Notes

Complex aromas of baked fruits and white spice with savoury characters. Stone fruit flavours, with hints of pepper and flint in the mouth. Citrus acidity gives depth and length to the textured, mineral palate.

No Tricks, Just Wine

Organically produced 

Tasting Notes

Buddy Talk Red is a unique blend of organically grown Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and Roesler grapes. It exhibits aromas of black and red fruits like blackberry and cherries, and plums along with light spice notes on the palate.

Producer

Modest Michael Opitz feels passionately about sustainability and quality and so decided to take the small family winery into being organic and as natural as possible on every level. All the wines are defined by their environment. The Neusiedlersee or Seewinkel, is a saltwater lake that, in this flat, warm part of Austria, brings tempering breezes, freshness and protection from disease. The wines as a result are tremendously pure, fresh, fragrant and yet salty.

Specifications

Agile, dynamic and straightforward.

Of all our Rieslings Loiserberg is the most uncompromising and coolest, pulling its tracks straight forward on the palate. Ends juicy, mineral, invigorating and long. Single Vineyard site - most Northern, highest & coolest.

Tasting Notes

Elegant fruit melange of citrus and stone fruit with a touch of pineapple, a tinge of ciabatta, fragrant, delicately floral, balanced and discreet. Juicy mid-weight, elegantly with a lot of fruit in the entree, tighter behind with a fine bite and a pleasantly dry finish.

Producer

Weingut Weszeli, in Langenlois, a now-famous wine village located on the river Kamp where it wends its way down to the Danube at Krems. There is a crazy patchwork of Burgundy-like Cru vineyards which have helped put Austria on the map as a source of world-class whites.

The story of this winery echoes that of many others. A former city-slicker, Davis Weszeli struck out in search of something new, with one clear goal: to feel closer to nature. He discovered his calling in the form of a traditional Kamptal winery in 2011, and from then on he has been on a mission to create authentic, unique wines whilst always prioritising sustainability in organic viticulture, and a principle coined by Davis himself: Terrafactum, the importance of the unique nature of the earth and terroir of Kamptal.

Davis makes charming and impressive Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, the two grapes he feels best suit the climate and soils of Kamptal. 

Location

The first thing that strikes you when you stand at the top of the Loiserberg is its meagre, rocky soil. It consists almost exclusively of Gföhler gneiss, covered only by a shallow layer of humus. Our Riesling vines are growing at an altitude of 380 metres; there is no higher point around Langenlois. And you can feel this in every sip. Although the vines look to the sun all day long, they are properly cooled as soon as twilight falls over the vineyards. As a result, full ripeness always arrives in late October, when the grapes have crystal-clear aromatics and immense vitality.

Altitude means everything at the Loiserberg. If you are at the crest of the hill, where our largest parcel is located, you’ll soon feel that the conditions here are quite different from those down below. Although our vineyard lies under the sun almost all day long, its power is relativised by the altitude and the wind that whistles through the vines.

Riesling also benefits from the climatic conditions mentioned earlier. Sun and dryness in combination with nocturnal cooling allow the grapes to ripen slowly. And finally, when it’s the right time to harvest, there’s an ideal balance of precise aromas, energy and acidity structure.

Specifications

The Grüner Veltliner ‘Felix’ introduces us to the grape in its simplest, most charming form: ‘Austria in a glass’

Tasting Notes

The grapes going into Felix are picked from vineyards undergoing organic conversion and tended with a priority to protecting the natural biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Slightly cool and spicy nose, with pronounced varietal characteristics on the palate: orchard fruit and a hint of green beans. Very light-bodied and lean with citrus notes, subtle juiciness and a bittersweet, slender finish.

Producer

Weingut Weszeli, in Langenlois, a now-famous wine village located on the river Kamp where it wends its way down to the Danube at Krems. There is a crazy patchwork of Burgundy-like Cru vineyards which have helped put Austria on the map as a source of world-class whites. The story of this winery echoes that of many others. A former city-slicker, Davis Weszeli struck out in search of something new, with one clear goal: to feel closer to nature.

He discovered his calling in the form of a traditional Kamptal winery in 2011, and from then on he has been on a mission to create authentic, unique wines whilst always prioritising sustainability in organic viticulture, and a principle coined by Davis himself: Terrafactum, the importance of the unique nature of the earth and terroir of Kamptal. Davis makes charming and impressive Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, the two grapes he feels best suit the climate and soils of Kamptal. 

There are three levels of Grüner Veltliner - Felix, Langenlois & Käferberg ÖTW, offering a fascinating journey into a grape oft-overlooked for its more famous stablemate, Riesling. 

Specifications

"Turning grapes into wine is a great privilege. Ideally, you're really an observer when it comes to making wine."

Single Vineyard Grüner Veltliner Käferberg ÖTW, a Premier Cru site that is undoubtedly destined to be promoted to Grand Cru once the classification is finalised.

Just one taste of this wine is a mind-blowing example of what this grape is truly capable of in the right hands.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Dense, elegant, radiant yet powerful.

Nose

Complex with notes of dark spices, ripe apple, rhubarb and red pepper colour the aromatic profile, with a soft yellow fruit core on the palate.

Palate

Juicy, full-bodied with a clear-focused palate. Combines a robust backbone of acidity with firm power.

The Wine

Without a doubt, Kaferberg is the most sophisticated Gruner Veltliner of Weszeli’s range. Grown on limestone, this mineral bomb is flush with white pepper, dried orange peel, Indian spices, and discreet notes of framboise and kirsch. As the wine unfolds, chamomile and earl grey tea infused into a back-palate wired with fresh, surprisingly persistent acidity, keeping the wine sharp and tense.

Limestone—which this vineyard is almost exclusively made from—can often push wines to flaunt their power, but this is not the case with Kaferberg. When compared to neighboring Gruners grown on loess soil, this wine is more tense and sleek, perhaps even more intellectual.

Producer

Range

All the wines are attractively labeled with an illustration of a local animal or insect, reflecting the estates' dedication to working harmoniously alongside nature and providing natural shelter for the endangered and more elusive creatures of the area. In turn, they all do their bit to protect the grapes, whether through natural fertilization, biodiversification of the soil, or pest control.

Specifications

From the World Heritage Site and enchanting feel-good landscape - that is the Wachau, the narrow Danube valley between Melk and Krems. A great Riesling—full and generous, yet focused with precise acidity. An aromatic bouquet of yellow apple, pear, lemon, and pineapple. Elegant and balanced with a long, lovely finish.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Medium greenish yellow, silver reflections.

Nose

Inviting nuances of fresh tropical fruit, underlaid with vineyard peach and fresh orange zest, a hint of lime, seductive bouquet.  

Palate

Full-bodied, tight-knit, shows fine fruit expression, fresh acidity, yellow peach, mineral-taut finish, very good length. Secure ageing potential, already very inviting and accessible in its youth. Please let it mature!

Producer

The Wachau Valley is one of the most beautiful historic landscapes in the world and has been included, since 2000, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Here in between the Danube on the one side and the mountains on the other side is the village of Spitz.

Five generations of Hirtzbergers have lived here, tending the vines which have been planted in the Wachau Valley in the 13th Century. Today wine is produced with all the modern know-how at our disposal, but still following the tradition of the Wachau Valley and our family.

Accolades

• 96-98 points - Falstaff 2020 

Specifications

This is exactly how a classic Sauvignon Blanc from southern Styria should taste.

Tasting Notes

Expressive nose of elderflower, gooseberry and Granny Smith apple. Racy and bold on palate, with menthol and white fruit. Good length and a fresh finish.

The crisp acidity gives it a bite and represents the region exactly. Fresh in the reverberation, very dry and yet with a delicate touch of blossom honey.

Producer

Since this year this region and this wine are classified as Südsteiermark DAC. Harvested from different locations, expanded in a steel tank and always ready to be enjoyed. 

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Colour

Bright yellow green, silver reflections.

Nose

Delicate bouquet, somewhat restrained, with nuances of yellow tropical fruit, and a hint of meadow herbs.

Palate

Elegant, fine sweet fruit, refined acid structure underlay, mineral and long-lasting, with a lemony touch on the back palate, it has development potential.

Producer

Mathias Hirtzberger had a brief career in banking before finding himself drawn back home to the Wachau. His brother Franz is now well established at the famous Franz Hirtzberger estate in Spitz, and wine production seemed more attractive than the world of corporate finance. By happy chance, some family vineyards farmed by another (retiring) Hirtzberger became available at Wösendorf in 2014, and Mathias jumped at the chance to create his own domaine.

More vines from another property in the village also became available to rent at the same time, so he now has 9 hectare estate. He has named the estate Weinhofmeisterei Hirtzberger, and taken some heraldic themes for his labels and wine names, to reflect some of the traditions of the area. The labels feature the coat of arms of St Florian. The monastery of St Florian, located in Upper Austria, had a wine production site in the village from the 13th Century until mid-20th C. A new smart red brick winery was completed just in time for the 2017 harvest.

Accolades

• Falstaff 92 points (2018 tasting)

Specifications

Tasting Notes

An inviting and voluptuous nose with spicy fruit and hints of honeysuckle. Textural and weighty on the palate - slightly honeyed with smoky notes, stone fruit, fresh balancing acidity and a long, dry finish. 

Grüner Veltliner 'Langenlois', named for the winery’s home village, where the vineyard parcels for this wine are located. 

Tasting Notes

Juicy, straightforward, fruity and well structured. Has a bit more acidity but also a little more body than in the previous year.

Nose

Inviting creamy nose with aromas of orange zest, fresh meadow notes and apples extremely crisp.

Palate

Juicy with lively fruit, light to medium body, aromas of citrus and quince, filigree in the finish, stimulating and charming.

Producer

Weingut Weszeli, in Langenlois, a now-famous wine village located on the river Kamp where it wends its way down to the Danube at Krems. There is a crazy patchwork of Burgundy-like Cru vineyards which have helped put Austria on the map as a source of world-class whites. The story of this winery echoes that of many others. A former city-slicker, Davis Weszeli struck out in search of something new, with one clear goal: to feel closer to nature. He discovered his calling in the form of a traditional Kamptal winery in 2011, and from then on he has been on a mission to create authentic, unique wines whilst always prioritising sustainability in organic viticulture, and a principle coined by Davis himself: Terrafactum, the importance of the unique nature of the earth and terroir of Kamptal.

Davis makes charming and impressive Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, the two grapes he feels best suits the climate and soils of Kamptal. 

There are three levels of Grüner Veltliner - Felix, Langenlois & Käferberg ÖTW, offering a fascinating journey into a grape oft-overlooked for its more famous stablemate, Riesling. 

Specifications

Tasting Notes

The Nussberg Grüner Veltliner offers a lovely precise, fresh and aromatic yet elegant bouquet of white pip fruits and chalk. Fresh, pure and elegant on the palate, this is a rather lean but tension-filled Grüner Veltliner with clearly defined white fruit and lots of ripe phenols and minerals.

The Producer

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Wine

Specifications

Delightful dessert wine from one of Sepp Moser's best single vineyards.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of honey and stone fruit. The palate is opulent with exotic fruit characters balanced by fresh, bright acidity and a lengthy finish.