Berg Erste Lage Riesling 2018

From the prestigious Berg Erste Lage vineyard, this Riesling originates on the limestone slopes of Reichersdorf, in the Traisental Valley, in northern Lower Austria. Facing predominantly south and southeast, the site benefits from abundant sunshine and cool nights, promoting slow ripening and remarkable aromatic precision. The stony, poor, and well-drained limestone soils force the vines to send their roots deep, resulting in wines with a taut character and a pronounced mineral expression.

The grapes for Berg Erste Lage Riesling are harvested at perfect ripeness, then gently pressed before a slow, controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic purity of the varietal and the mineral expression of the terroir. The wine is then aged on its fine lees for several months, primarily in stainless steel tanks, with minimal intervention to maintain the tension, precision, and freshness characteristic of the Huber estate style, before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of lemon zest , green apple , and white peach , complemented by delicate floral touches reminiscent of acacia blossom. A pronounced mineral structure, reminiscent of wet stone and chalk, provides tension and precision. Subtle spicy nuances, akin to ginger and white pepper, add complexity. On the palate, the wine is elegant, supported by vibrant acidity, a crystalline texture, and a long, mouthwatering, and distinctly saline finish.

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.