Weingut Bründlmayer R. Zobinger Heiligenstein Lyra 2019

This cuvée comes from Ried Heiligenstein, an emblematic plot above the village of Zöbing, in the Kamp Valley, at the heart of the Kamptal appellation in Lower Austria. Its steep slopes, mostly facing south-east, overlook the River Kamp and benefit from a cool influence from the neighbouring wooded hills. The vineyard sits on very old red sandstone, rich in minerals and conglomerate formations, which stores heat while encouraging slow ripening. This singular geological origin produces taut, deep Rieslings with particularly good ageing potential.

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks and large wooden casks, followed by ageing on fine lees until bottling.

This wine reveals notes of white peach, lemon zest and grapefruit, enriched by hints of white flowers, ginger and white pepper. A stony expression of sun-warmed sandstone, wet stone and smoke brings depth and precision to the whole. The palate is concentrated and chiselled, carried by lively acidity that stretches out a dense, silky texture. The long, saline and spicy finish retains great freshness while gradually revealing its mineral complexity.

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.