Ried Stein Engabrunn 2021

Located in the village of Engabrunn, on the left bank of the Danube in Lower Austria, the Ried Stein vineyard belongs to the Kamptal wine region, bordering the Wagram. The vines are planted in stony soils composed of loess, gravel, and limestone, with a predominantly south and southeast exposure. This cool, well-ventilated, and well-drained terroir allows for slow ripening of the grapes and preserves a pronounced acidity, while also imparting a characteristic minerality to the white wines produced by the Ott estate.

The grapes for the Ried Stein Engabrunn cuvée are harvested at perfect ripeness and then gently pressed before careful settling. Fermentation takes place slowly, primarily in stainless steel tanks, to preserve the aromatic purity and mineral tension of the terroir. Aging continues on fine lees in the same tanks, with measured stirring to add volume without masking the precision of the fruit. The entire winemaking process aims to express the finesse, salinity, and depth characteristic of this vintage.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , green apple , and juicy pear , complemented by delicate floral touches and a herbaceous nuance reminiscent of hillside grasses. A pronounced mineral structure, slightly saline, adds subtle spicy impressions on the finish. The palate is precise and taut, driven by lively acidity, a slender yet ample texture, and a long, crystalline finish that highlights the purity of the terroir.

Austrian viticulture has made enormous strides in wine quality over the past decade. Today, Austrian winemakers no longer produce cheap wines for mass consumption, but rather refined and complex wines. Austria produces 65% white wines. From a general perspective, Austrian wines are more powerful and richer than those of their German neighbor. The major and most widely planted national grape variety is Grüner Veltliner (an indigenous white grape). Red wine production continues to increase in volume, intensity, and quality. In Burgenland, in particular, producers are making the most of a unique blend of local grape varieties (Blaufränkisch, Saint-Laurent, Zweigelt) and French varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir). Austria's climate is primarily continental, with cold winters and hot summers. The country is influenced by four main weather patterns. To the east, continental influences from Pannonia; to the west, Atlantic influences as well as cold winds from the north; and to the south, Mediterranean influences. The Danube, meandering languidly through numerous vineyards, brings a variety of microclimates to the vines.