Epic Semi-Sparkling Wine Meinklang Organic

Grüner Veltliner

It is Austria's star — no, not California's former governor Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger, but Grüner Veltliner. This white variety, a natural crossing of Traminer and St. Georgen, occupies around a third of the cultivated vineyard area. The birthplace of this highly aromatic vine appears to be the Monhartsberg near Krems. The Mounhartsrebe was mentioned here as early as the 9th century. Grüner Veltliner has also made it across the pond, albeit with less fanfare than the Terminator. Excellent Veltliner wines are produced in California, Seattle, Australia and New Zealand. There is a parallel between Arnie and the grape, however: both have a tough skin and, with their pepper and lively freshness, are wonderfully enjoyable when young, yet develop their full harmonious potential with age. So perhaps, after your first glass of Grüner Veltliner, you too will say: I'll be back, baby!

Fresh, creamy and fruity. Uncomplicated, yet made with ambition.

Michlits MEINKLANG wine estate

Burgenland is a wine region developing at the highest level like few others. Every vintage produces outstanding wines, praised by the specialist press and consistently among the leaders at prestigious awards.

A major influence is undoubtedly the Michlits family's wine estate, MEINKLANG, which, with 55 ha of vineyards, is Austria's largest organic wine estate. The MEINKLANG winery lies on the eastern side of Lake Neusiedl, directly on the Hungarian border. The wines come from certified biodynamic farming and express, unaltered, the natural environment in which they were created. They reflect the intact natural cycle of an ecosystem. This is also what the name MEINKLANG represents: MEIN expresses young winegrower Werner Michlits's personal touch, while KLANG stands for harmony with nature. Honest, characterful, independent and harmonious: these are the qualities the Michlits family gives its wines through biodynamic work. An integrated whole emerges, a source of strength from which the vines draw energy. A closed production cycle within certified biodynamic farming under Demeter guidelines is essential.

Working close to nature does not rule out the latest technology. It is very important in winemaking for preserving rather than altering. The business was comprehensively modernised in 2003 and has a state-of-the-art cellar. To protect the wine from harsh tannins, work takes place over two levels using gravity, avoiding pumping and allowing the grapes to pass directly into the press. The wines are made according to the concept of terroir: controlled fermentation with natural wild yeasts gives elegance and a fine structure. To preserve and encourage this character, MEINKLANG uses only small barrels with light or no toasting.

The most widely planted vines, typical of Burgenland, are Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch. Powerful, full-bodied Zweigelt is an Austrian red wine cult favourite and the estate's most important red grape variety.

Another highlight of the MEINKLANG range is St. Laurent. Its special feature is harmonious maturation in a concrete egg. The oval egg shape allows the young wine to circulate freely and clarify naturally. The result is a deep ruby-red, very balanced wine with aromas of dark berries and dried fruit. Fine tannins support its natural structure.

The Zwerest blend is interesting and unusual. Zwerest comes from the local vernacular and means 'running crosswise'. It refers to a large tongue of gravel with a high pebble content that decisively shapes the sandy loam soil. A special microclimate develops: the day's sunshine is stored and slowly released at night. Exceptionally rich grapes are harvested, producing a dense, complex wine that matures in barrique for up to 24 months.