Weingut Bründlmayer R. Ried Heiligenstein AR 2020

The Ried Heiligenstein plot lies near Zöbing, in the Kamp Valley, at the heart of the Kamptal wine region in Lower Austria. This historic slope, facing south and south-east, overlooks the village on steep, very sunny hillsides. Its singular soil of Permian desert sandstone, mixed with conglomerates and volcanic components, stores heat while encouraging a taut, racy expression. The old Riesling vines draw deeply from this arid terroir, whose temperature swings preserve freshness and aromatic precision.

The grapes from old vines in Ried Heiligenstein are harvested by hand, then gently pressed. Fermentation and ageing are carried out with precision to preserve the aromatic purity, mineral tension and expression of Heiligenstein's sandstone terroir.

This wine reveals notes of white peach, ripe lemon and grapefruit zest, complemented by hints of white flowers, herbal tea and delicate honey. Its mineral expression evokes warm stone, flint and a fine saline touch, while a subtle note of ginger adds relief. The palate is dense and chiselled, carried by vibrant acidity; its broad texture retains remarkable tension and stretches into a long, dry, mineral finish.

Over the past ten years and more, Austrian viticulture has made a huge leap in wine quality. Today, Austrian winegrowers no longer produce cheap wines for mass consumption, but refined and complex wines. 65% of Austria's wine is white. Broadly speaking, Austrian wines are more powerful and richer than those of their German neighbour. The great national grape, and the most widely planted, is Grüner Veltliner (a native white variety). Red wine production continues to grow in volume as well as in intensity and quality. In Burgenland above all, producers make the most of an original mix of local grape varieties (blaufränkisch, saint-laurent, zweigelt) and French ones (cabernet-sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir). Austria's climate is essentially continental, with cold winters and hot summers. The country is subject to 4 main influences: to the east, continental influences from Pannonia; to the west, Atlantic influences, but also cold winds from the north; and to the south, Mediterranean influences. The Danube, winding languidly through many vineyards, brings numerous microclimates to them.