2017 Jurtschitsch Riesling Zobinger Ried Heiligenstein 1OTW Austria White

2017 Jurtschitsch Riesling Zobinger Ried Heiligenstein 1OTW

95 W&S

Featured Review

Alwin Jurtschitsch took over his family’s winery with his wife, Stefanie Hasselbach, in 2006; the two set about converting the vineyards to organic viticulture, and to higher-density plantings. She makes the wines, favoring ambient yeast fermentations and minimal sulfur additions. Heiligenstein is one of their most prized sites, the vines rooted into an outcropping of stone that’s some 250 thousand years old. Aged on the fine lees in 2,000-liter casks before bottling, this is a massive wine, belting out its riesling-ness in bell tones of litchi and lime, peaches and spice. It feels pure and precise, just at the beginning of its life. David Bowler Wines, NY Wine & Spirits

Wine and Spirits Mag | 95 W&S

The nose takes some swirling to wake up but then releases seductive glimpses of grapefruit and lime, followed split seconds later by riper tangerine. The palate plays the same, subtle but highly aromatic game and shines with purity and poise. The palate also has a creamy backdrop, which makes all the citrus appear even more vivid. Lovely. Drink 2020–2035.

Wine Enthusiast | 95 WE

Exuberant but stylish apricots, nectarines and mangoes come into view, joined by wet chalk and flint. Medium-bodied and delicate, painting dainty citrus flavors in vibrant acidity. Long but pure and dialed-in. Drink now.

James Suckling | 94 JS

The 2017 Riesling Zöbinger Ried Heiligenstein 1ÖTW is pure and flinty on the nose and very elegant and finessed on the palate, with grip, tension and a long, pure mineral-salty finish. Very long and exciting. A great wine! Tasted at Schloss Grafenegg, September 2018.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 94 RP

Type of Wine	Austria White : Few regions offer as much quality and diversity among their whites as Austria. Infused with the essence of varietals such as Gruner Veltliner, Welshriesling, and Pinot Gris (among others), these wines range from very dry to exceptionally sweet and often come with extraordinary aging potential. Give in to their charms, and come out changed forever.
Varietal	Riesling : It has been 587 years since the official “birth” of Riesling, the Noble grape variety of Germany. In that time, this white grape has seen exponential growth and popularity worldwide. Riesling has traveled beyond the Rhine River, where it is thought to have originated, spreading throughout Germany, Austria and Alsace, Australia, New Zealand and California. New World adaptations may have helped bring the varietal into the global spotlight, but its ancestral home and greatest reflection of terroir remains in Germany. As aforementioned, the first recorded mention of the varietal appeared in the 1435 sale of several Riesling vines to German Count, John IV of Katzenelnbogen. Prior this transaction, the history of Riesling remains unclear, other than it first inhabiting the Rhine River region, which runs throughout parts of Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland. In 1998, scientists in Austria, using DNA technology, were able to determine that Riesling is the progeny of Heunisch Weiss, otherwise known as Gouais Blanc. Said to be a commoner among superior grape varietals, Gouais Blanc is ancient, originated in Germany and has sired some of the greatest varietals in the world, including Chardonnay, Semillon, Gamay noir, Melon and Aligote. The small, round white-green berries of Riesling turn a pretty gold color, often with lenticels (pore-like structures, resembling freckles) when ripe. Vines can vary significantly from weak to moderately vigorous depending on the climatic region, soil characteristics and moisture availability. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil types making it quite dynamic and versatile. One of Riesling’s most unique and celebrated qualities is its vibrant expression of terroir. This “sense of place” enables the particular elements of the soil and microclimate to be uniquely expressed through the wine itself, allowing this globetrotting varietal to flourish in similar winegrowing conditions around the world. Riesling has found success and popularity in California and the Finger Lakes of New York, Australia, New Zealand, France, Hungary and South Africa. However, it reaches its true zenith in the Rhine River Valley. Mosel, Pfalz and Rheingau are the key winegrowing locations in Germany, where the climates are cool with low average temperatures and with the bulk of rainfall occurring during the summer. The vines of Riesling thrive here, in heat-retaining, stony soils on steep, south-facing slopes along the river valleys where they find optimal sunlight and natural growing conditions. Austria and Alsace (France) share similar climatic influences and terroir due to the proximity of the Rhine River. Their winegrowing industries have been greatly impacted by the Riesling grape varietal. The commonly misunderstood Riesling grape varietal produces wines that are quite austere when young, making many wine drinkers wary of them. A fine Riesling almost demands time in the bottle. In good vintages, Riesling can last several decades and rival the finest whites in the world. At a glimpse Riesling may seem simple, but is actually rather complex. Riesling can be harvested early or late, vinified in many ways and can range from dry to very sweet. The five types of Riesling are Kabinett (bone dry to off-dry) Spatlese (sweet) Auslese (sweeter) Beerenauslese (very sweet) Trockenbeerenauslese (sweetest). Thanks to its naturally high acidity, it is a supremely agreeable drinker that will please just about any palate. From tingly-dry, steely-lemon to refreshingly green apple, peach, pear and grapefruit to honeyed and luscious apricot; the myriad of flavor profiles of Riesling is impressive. The Noble Riesling grape may be complex, might be misunderstood and may be more obscure than other white varietals, but is one that produces some of the most fascinating, multifaceted and unique wines in the world.
Country	Austria : The landlocked country of Austria, in the heart of Europe, is a land of breathtaking beauty; from its rolling hills, steep slopes and valleys to its many terraces and specific regional sites which possess features that belong to the visible charm of the country’s landscape. Hidden beneath the precious soils and rocks of this wondrous landscape, which may not be visible, but of great importance to winemaking is the life-blood of the land because it significantly influences the choice of grape variety and vineyard management. This geological and vinification symbiosis has become an incredible proficiency that Austrian winemakers have honed over a long period, creating wines that truly define the terroir. Of all the major winegrowing regions in Austria, Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal have certainly proved to be the finest locations for cultivating high quality grapes. These regions reside on the eastern part of the country, where the terroir and climate are perfectly attuned to the varietals cultivated. Lower elevations consist largely of rich, deep soils composed mostly of loess, giving way to heavy, fruit-forward wines. The many hilly and terraced vineyards are composed of free-draining gravel, which allows for the production of age-worthy wines. Due to the country’s location and the presence of the Alps, there is very little Mediterranean influence, thus creating a strongly continental climate. Warming easterly breezes and high sunshine hours provide plenty of ripening opportunities for the grapes. Ripening happens slowly and evenly here, creating a balance between sugar and acidity in the grapes and, in turn, making balanced wines. However, the climate is still tempered by the presence of the Danube and the Neusidelersee Lake to the south, creating a myriad of micro-climates and further developing complex growing conditions. Austria is renowned for its world-class production of Gruner Veltliner, its most important and most widely planted grape variety. It accounts for 32.5 percent of all vineyard space. In the past, the country was known for its sweet and botrytized version of the varietal, but producers have turned to making a more consumer-friendly, crisp, aromatic style. This modern approach has allowed its star varietal to be mentioned alongside some the finest whites on today’s market. Riesling ranks second among all white grapes grown. The finest examples of these two varietals hail from its three main growing regions (Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal). White varieties truly dominate the country’s production; of the 44,913 hectares under vine, 30,300 are cultivated to white grape varieties, which include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling and Pinot Blanc (known here by its German name Weissburgunder). Red wine production may be overshadowed, but to be overlooked. Red grape varieties, such as Blaufrankisch, Saint-Laurent, Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder) and its most prized red varietal, Zweigelt, flourish in the large Austrian region of Burgenland, producing wines of incredible intrigue. Zweigelt is the second most widely planted varietal in Austria, accounting for 13.9 percent of all vineyard space and produces richly colored wines with a deep, bright core of spiced cherry and raspberry flavors. The Austrian wine industry has been molded not only by its prized terroir, but also by the talent and determination of its vintners. Producers such as Heidi Shrock and Weingut Prager have risen to world-class status and are commanding global recognition. Producers may be turning to modernized ways of appeasing ever-changing palates, but is also balancing it with traditional methods, retaining such classics as the sweet Ausbruch and Strohwein. Stricter wine laws and regulations have greatly improved the quality of winemaking and in the process, has garnered world-wide attention. Austrian producers are preserving an age old tradition that began over 2000 years ago, yet reforming it into one of the leading wine producing countries in the world.
Region	Austria : Austrian winemaking has had ups and downs in its reputation. This inconsistency created a cloud of doubt that fortunately caused a full-on winemaking renaissance in this country. Today, Austria is a symbol of combining old with the new, its innovative approach to viticulture taking full advantage of the experience and knowledge collected over the years. As a result, this beautiful mountainous region now boasts some of the most pristine and elegant white wines in the world. Its signature grape, Gruner Veltliner, can instantly be recognized by its citrusy undercurrents and sweet, charmingly fresh flavor profile. Austria brings plenty of fresh air into the world of traditional viticulture with this flagship wine that's closely followed by Riesling, especially from regions of Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal. Don't be surprised if you come across a wonderful Chardonnay, Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc or perhaps even a Sauvignon Blanc and learn it's from Austria; the country has done exemplary work around white wines and is finally receiving some overdue recognition for it. For red wine lovers, this region showcases a lovely selection that includes Blaufrankisch, Saint-Laurent, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir. These ripe, straightforward and spiced beauties can be cellared for decades, so you can drink them now or store for the next generations.

Producer	Jurtschitsch

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2017 Jurtschitsch Riesling Zobinger Ried Heiligenstein 1OTW

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