Vineyards

THE VINEYARD AS FOUNDATION

If our story starts with the earth, the wine brings it to conclusion. The chapters of this creative tale unfold through the careful tending of the soil, healthy treatment of beneficial organisms, and maintenance of biodiversity.

A deep coming to terms with nature and life cycles requires a change in the way man thinks about life. It is not materialism, rather inner strength that gives us energy and warmth. Especially in agriculture, management that respects basic principles of nature is a must. We have long been concerned with this question, and in 2005 decided to follow the path of biodynamic agriculture. Our agricultural activities follw the principles of the Austrian holistic thinker Rudolf Steiner. It’s not about the esoteric or mystical; it’s about reflecting long-term health, biodiversity and culture.

This sort of business is not about marketing either, but concerns the foundation of and very approach to life. Growing and producing wine is a cultural act, and man consciously influences the natural process. We have deliberately not gone in for our wines to be officially designated “bio” or organic.

NATURE’S MEMORY

Vinicultural history has had much to teach us over the century. Much wisdom has also been forgotten.

To bring back lost attributes, we focus intensely on the indigenous Austrian grape varieties of Sankt Laurent, Zweigelt, and Blaufränkisch. We’re working with winemaker Helmut Gangl who acts as scientific consultant and cultivator. In choosing varieties, we emphasize genetic diversity and good adaptability in grapes which over the last decade have a certain memory built in. These “intelligent” grapes are better suited to the soil and climate conditions, out of which develop a typical terroir note and the unmistakable taste of a wine; it’s a symbiosis of soil, microclimate, grape variety and, of course, the decisive factor of the vintner.

We are working with new varieties from oenologist Georg Weiss which are crosses between European and American grapes. They exhibit high resistance to fungal diseases, but still give us the fine, spicy flavors of traditional varieties. As we taste their suitability for viniculture, perhaps they will become the foundation of future vine cultivation. Stewardship also involves change, which nature reminds us every day.

We must protect the vital diversity of our earth. These aren’t empty words, but something we demonstrate in multiple ways through our wines. Sensitivity comes from passion and caring for our wines, giving the the greatest attention.

In the end, it’s about earth and soil-not about ownership, but partnership.