Philosophy

The Wagram - Our Terroir:

The Wagram (Wogenrain) is a step in the terrain, which is covered by loess terraces and stretches on the northern bank of the river Danube from Krems some 10 kilometers downstream, constituting a landmark of its own. Loess provides very fertile soil to our vines and imparts highly distinct characters on our wines. Loess soils offer high water retention capacity, thus enabling viticulture without irrigation.

The microclimate under Pannonian influence with high temperature differences between day and night is another important factor responsible for the delicate fruitiness, piquant acidity and pronounced bouquet of our wines. Yet in the end it is the vintner's hand that determines quality!

Ecological Viticulture in Agreement with Nature:

At our winery, the ecological balance is paramount. Cover crops and compost preparation from plant wastes sourced from our own vineyards serve to fertilize our vines. Controlled integrated plant protection is limited to a minimum in order to preserve our multifaceted, untouched nature for future generations.

Wine to us is the result of an overall concept between man, cultural landscape and natural awareness. It would be very much desirable to have modern economy think exactly like we winegrowers do!

Harvest and Vinification - It's up to Us to Decide:

To keep yields so low that the vines will be able to optimally feed the fruit, and bring it to perfect physiological ripeness, even under poor conditions like aridity or late growing seasons. Rigorous selection in the vineyard, careful grape picking by hand and cautious transport of the fruit are the prerequisites for quality-conscious winemaking. Our three-story press house, which was built according to the latest findings, allows for low-pressure pressing as well as grape and juice conveyance solely by gravity, without the use of pumps. In order to preserve aromas and flavors, the wines are fermented in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures and after their first racking are stored in our climatically ideal cellar dug into the loess soil. White wines are matured in stainless steel tanks until bottling. Red wines are aged either traditionally in large wooden casks or increasingly in small oak barrels. Vinification above all is to aim at wholesomeness and drinking enjoyment!

Categories, Names and Wines:

The term Klassik is used to denote light, fresh and savory whites up to an alcohol level of 12% vol. The term Lagenreserve hints at vigorous, dense and balanced offerings exclusively sourced from those single vineyards that have proved successful for years. Gondwana refers to the best Grüner of every vintage, supported by a little bit of oak. The name is derived from the early continent, Gondwana land, where the primary bedrock of the Wagram already existed, on which the drift sand (loess) was subsequently deposited. Bokawina is a red blend, named after an old single vineyard in Zaussenberg. The name supposedly goes back to the German-speaking part of Transylvania, Bukowina - birch land. This blend features St.Laurent, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, and the ratio differs every year, depending on the vintage and our personal taste.

Conclusion:

We are a traditional family enterprise with modern understanding of wine, or a winery that combines old-established values with new ideas on a high level.