About Bründlmayer
Since 1980 this talented winemaker has transformed 125 acres of terraces, set above the Danube in Langenlois, into a beacon for Austrian wine. Jancis Robinson on Willi Bründlmayer
About

2017 Bründlmayer Riesling Heiligenstein Lyra
Bründlmayer
The Bründlmayer family owns 12 hectares right in the centre of the Zöbinger Heiligenstein. 10.5 hectares are planted with Riesling, the remainder for experimental purposes with Cabernet (mostly Cabernet Franc). From a geological point of view the Zöbinger Heiligenstein site is not only the oldest but probably also the most interesting on our estate: the soil consists of approximately 270 million-year-old Permian desert sandstone. The sediments contain volcanic inclusions and carbonised remains of primeval vegetation. The uniqueness of this soil, its perfect gradient and position (SW to SE in a climatic borderland) provide ideal conditions for growing outstanding wines. During the day warm winds (often due to the effects of the Pannonian climate) climb the site, whereas by nightfall cool gusts from the north start blowing through the Kamp Valley and bring forward the aromatic expression of the grapes.
About 20% of our Heiligenstein vineyards are trained in a Lyre trellis system. The vine bifurcates in a way that the branches seem to reach to the heavens like sun-worshippers. This method doubles canopy exposure and favours aeration which improves photosynthesis and prevents dreaded fungus diseases. Yields are restricted by rigorous thinning and although harvest started late only healthy berries without botrytis were brought in. These techniques result in increasing the quality of grapes to show a similar intensity as those deriving from old vines.
We ferment the must in stainless steel at a temperature of 15 to 20° C. After fermentation the wine matures on the lees till bottling in summer. Alcohol 13%; total acidity: 7.7g/L; residual sugar: dry.
Fully ripened and simultaneously fine-boned, revealing the usual fruit kaleidoscope featuring lime and vineyard peach over nuances of lemon balm and menthol. Distinctive and charming, focused and highly elegant with bracing balance. A touch of pineapple and papaya join countless other facets on the palate. Exemplary in its fine-boned finesse and racy style – a reserve from many, many years of enjoyment. - Andreas Wickhoff MW, Bründlmayer
December, 2018
Wine Advocate
96 points
The 2017 Riesling Ried Heiligenstein 1ÖTW Lyra is super fine and floral on the highly elegant, balanced nose. Pure but intense and very fine on the palate, this is a highly elegant, complex and very persistent Heiligenstein with remarkable tension, length and salinity. A gorgeous wine and probably one of the finest Austrian Rieslings of the 2017 vintage.
October, 2018
jamessuckling.com
94 points
Delicate pineapple nose, then a rich and precisely contoured palate that steers well clear of opulence, making this a very strong 2017 dry Riesling. Long, very clean and minerally finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
August, 2019
The Australian
Riesling from the geologically fascinating Heiligenstein site (sandstone from the Permian period, carbonised plant material, volcanic soils) has an inimitable expression. The nose shows cumquat, peach and leafy herbals with a sprinkling of rock salt. Luxuriant waves of clean, concentrated fruit roll over the palate with a tingling sensation of spice. There's no blurring of the edges here; this snapshot of site is fine and focused.
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About Bründlmayer
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