Our older vintages
Zöbinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben
Riesling
2020
Kamptal DAC, Erste Lage ÖTW
Pure, juvenile, restrained, while showing an unbelievably complex bouquet: citrus peel, fresh stone (white peaches) and pome fruit, a hint of white flowers, hay and yeasty spice; very fresh and dry with a perfectly balancing hint of residual sugar; the palate confirms the impressions mentioned above; fine and precise without boasting force, while densely structured and perfectly balanced, until the final marked by again hints of fruit, spice and almost salty mineral impressions: fine and precise!
The Bründlmayer family owns 10 hectares on the "Zöbinger Heiligenstein". Beginning in the 1920’s, without the help of mortar wine terraces of natural stone were laid in the vineyards that now give the grapes for Riesling Heiligenstein Alte Reben. Original Riesling vines of the Heiligenstein have been bred throughout the decades by cloning and layering. Today the old vines average 50 years of age with the oldest reaching as many as 75 years.
Older vines are less productive, forming fewer and smaller grapes that profit from a well-developed root system. This root system reaches deeply into the ground and supplies its fruit with potent nourishment. Consequently, wines of these vineyards are extremely flavorful with enormous concentration.
Awards
- 1. Platz
- Falstaff Rieden Cup Nov. 2022
- 97 / 100
- FALSTAFF WEIN GUIDE 2022/23
- Deep nose of dried pear and herbs that gains fresh white-peach and mirabelle notes as it slowly opens in the glass. Concentrated and highly structured on the sleek yet powerful palate. Rare polish for the vintage at the very long, stony finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
- STUART PIGOTT, JAMESSUCKLING.COM, 09/22
- 95 / 100
- STEPHAN REINHARDT, WINE ADVOCATE 12/22
Site and climate
Ried Heiligenstein
The terraced south and southwest facing slope of Zöbinger Heiligenstein has a unique geological history that has been preserved in this particular area.
Maturation
We ferment the must in stainless steel at a temperature of 15-20° Celsius.
Food pairing recommendation
An excellent food companion with grilled fish, roast or fried chicken, salted or smoked meats (but without sauerkraut!), Wiener schnitzel, or as an alternative to red wine with roast duck or goose. It’s also ideally suited to many hearty exotic dishes . After some years of maturing, it can be recommended for fish with a variety of sauces - such as beurre blanc or Riesling cream sauce.