Fritsch Schlossberg Erste Lage Gruner Veltliner 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled.

Weinberghof Fritsch is one of the most renowned cellars in Austria’s Wagram wine region. Erste Lage or “First Growth” is the German/Austrian vineyard designation roughly equivalent to “Premier Cru” in the French system. The Schlossberg vineyard in particular is prized for its deep loess soils and setting on a high plateau which help moderate summer temperatures, producing a pure, balanced white with a distinctive minerality.

Wherever possible Fritsch works in harmony with nature, using biodynamic practices in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the winery to showcase the beauty of the terroir and grape. Grapes are harvested by hand and allowed to ferment spontaneously with wild yeasts. They use traditional methods like fermentation and maturation in 2000-litre neutral wooden casks for two months.

The result is a zingy, poised and expressive Grüner Veltliner with extra structure and subtle tannins from the aging process. Expect plenty of orchard fruit like red apples and pears along with hints of honeydew melon and yellow plums. The finish is clean and smooth with subtle touches of wild herbs and fresh tobacco. This elegant wine is ideal to drink now, although it also has excellent cellaring potential.