Weingut Bründlmayer G. V. Langenloiser Alte Reben 2022

The vines for this cuvée are planted around Langenlois, in the heart of the Kamptal, in Lower Austria. This renowned wine region enjoys a Pannonian climate tempered by cooler influences from the north-west, creating wide temperature swings that favour aromatic precision. The old vines draw deeply from a mosaic of loess, silt and ancient rock soils. Located in the Kamp valley, the Bründlmayer vineyard combines a long winemaking tradition with a highly plot-by-plot reading of its terroirs, producing whites that are ripe, taut and deeply rooted in their origin.

The grapes from old Grüner Veltliner vines in Langenlois are carefully harvested, then gently pressed. Fermentation and ageing take place in stainless-steel tanks to preserve aromatic precision, freshness and the mineral expression of the terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe apple, juicy pear and lemon zest, complemented by hints of white flowers, fresh herbs and white pepper. A backbone of wet stone and saline minerality underlines its terroir expression. The palate is broad and concentrated, carried by a supple texture and precise acidity that brings drive and freshness. The long, savoury finish extends the impressions of stone fruit, fine spices and salt.

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.