Establishing a new vineyard is an investment, an investment of time, money, and hard work. The process begins with a carefully chosen parcel of land that has exceptional soils complimented by a climate that is capable of producing outstanding grapes for years to come. After about a year of site preparation, including leveling the land, checking for proper drainage, balancing the pH levels of the soil, and the removal of pesky weeds, planting can finally take place. Typically in a commercial vineyard, the actual winemaker is removed from this process, and a separate vineyard crew is hired to plant the new site. Vines are usually bought from a nursery, where clones translate to any location in which the grapes are being grown, as opposed to what has grown and mutated in that specific environment. A hand-worked vineyard, like those of our wineries, is lead by the winemaker him or herself. They choose the vines that will be planted in the site, which are cultivated from existing vines thriving in a similar environment. The winemaker sees every fine detail from the spacing of the rows and vines, to the vision of the future in order to accommodate how the vineyard will develop for longevity. Ultimately, in a hand-worked vineyard, the winemaker is the farmer and the root of new growth.
The Brandstatt Transformation
Project “Brandstatt” began in 2009 after Peter Veyder-Malberg purchased an old, neglected vineyard from an elderly lady, Margarete Siebenhandl. Ms. Siebenhandl had tended to the vineyard her entire life, but unfortunately had the parcel cleared in 2005 when she realized she was no longer able to care for the land by hand.
The cool, steep-terraced vineyard sits 400 meters above sea level in the Spitzer Graben part of the Wachau in Austria, and is considered one of the best sites in the area. Although Peter did not begin his career as a winemaker, his life’s mission has become to re-cultivate the western part of the Wachau and bring back the authenticity of these once prosperous, now abandoned pieces of the region. In order to be able to afford the re-cultivation project, Peter planned to invest his time and money salvaging four terraces at a time, every two years. Rescuing the Brandstatt was not an easy task, clearing the brush, fixing the walling, and then cultivating new vines by hand. The pure mica-schist soils were replanted with Riesling in Spring of 2010, staying true to the vineyard’s original planting. In 2015, his hard work finally paid off when the first wine, Brandstatt 2013, was released.
Brandstatt Riesling 2013
Just released!
100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12,5% vol
Residual Sugar: 2g/l
Acidity: 6,0g/l
pH: 3,4
The Beginning of Kapellenweingarten
Situated at 550 meters above sea level in the Südsteiermark region of Austria, the Kapellenweingarten is the highest and newest vineyard in the Sattlerhof winery. This distinct bowl-shaped vineyard receives southeastern and southwestern sun exposure, yet stays airy and cool at its high altitude. Its name originates from the two chapels from different time periods and design along the road ringing the top of the “bowl.” The land was also an old farm estate with buildings at least 400 years old positioned alongside the hill, as seen above.
Sattlerhof began restoring parts of the vineyard in 2011 and in 2014, acquired another portion established with older vines. Unfortunately the trellis system, which can include stakes, posts, or wires that grapevines attach to, was old and in need of replacing resulting in an extended process.
The Kapellenweingarten, or “Chapel,” site is full of limey sands and gravelly soils best for growing varietals such as Morillon (Chardonnay), Sauvignon Blanc, and Muskateller, which have all been planted by hand. Today, the vineyard is a total of 8 hectares and has produced its first Morillon wine. Sattlerhof has high hopes for this vineyard’s future, knowing that in another 2-3 years, the vines will reach their full potential.
Sattlerhof Kalellenweingarten Morillon 2014
Tasting Notes: “What fascinating nose! Bell – clear, with grasping fruity scents of ripe banana and honeydew, backed by aromatic apple wedge and notes of fresh pretzels. Wonderfully juicy and harmonic aftertaste.” – Sattlerhof
The River Rocked Riesling of Groiss
The Weinviertel region of Austria has traditionally been known for it’s expressive Grüners, indeed almost half of the acreage of Grüner Veltliner in Austria can be found here. This is not to say other varieties are not cultivated, much less thrive in this hot, dry region. Taking a chance, Ingrid Groiss began cultivating a small plot she acquired in Fahndorf with Riesling grapes several years ago.
The distinctive white gravel soil with its ferrous components and high limestone content makes this vineyard particularly favorable for Riesling. Her Riesling Auf der Henne 2013 is the successful result. Lauded by professional reviewers and white wine lovers alike, Auf der Henne, has been described by Ingrid as a full bodied wine displaying juicy, ripe fruit notes of apricot, melon, and nectarine, with an underlying minerality. Emboldened by the triumph of Auf der Henne she kept her eye out for any new opportunities to experiment with Riesling. Then in April of 2014, she was able to purchase an adjacent lot to Auf der Henne with quite distinctive soil characteristics that she knew would be perfect for Riesling. This unnamed as of yet vineyard will hopefully bear fruit in the years to come. Uniquely, this vineyard is composed of mostly large river rocks to the point that the stones almost outweigh the actual dirt, shown in the picture above. The rocks are remnants of a river that was the precursor to the Danube, believed to be from an epoch 7-12 million years ago. She has hand planted her grapes here from older vines native to her region.
Groiss Riesling Auf Der Henne
100% Riesling
Soil: white gravel
Alcohol: 3.5% vol
Residual sugar: 3.6 g / L
Acid: 7.8 g / L
Tasting Notes: juicy, ripe fruit notes, apricot, melon, nectarine, on the palate full-bodied wine with a dense structure, juicy fruit, grapefruit in the finish, good length– A la Carte 2014