2015 Stift Goettweig Grüner Veltliner Messwein

Stift Goettweig

Austria / Kremstal / Stift Goettweig

The Göttweiger Messwein, or altar wine, has been an institution in this Benedictine monastery for centuries. Grüner Veltliner and Rosé (from Pinot Noir) are vinified as light, dry wines. From the nature-friendly cultivation of the vineyards to the care and processing of the grapes and wine, the "Reinheitsgebot”, or purity law, of the church must be obeyed. Messwein cannot be produced without the permission of the bishop, and it must be only natural and unaltered. With 12% alcohol (this may vary, depending on the vintage) Messwein is the lightest wine – very easy and drinkable.

TASTING NOTES
Dry, fruity and light with classic – though subtle – Veltliner spice. Animated on the nose; multilayered with notes of citrus fruit, red apple and rosewood. Fresh and elegant on the palate; expressive, with good length.

February, 2017

David Schildknecht

Vinous Media

88 points

Scents of apple, raw winter squash and piquant walnut set the tone for a generously juicy, polished, subtly piquant midpalate. Cooling hints of basil and mouthwatering salinity, though also a touch of green walnut-husk astringency, inform the satisfyingly sustained finish.

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About Stift Goettweig

High in the hills across the Danube River between Krems and Dürnstein stands one of the most amazing buildings you will ever see. What a discovery it was, when we finally made our way across there to find out more about this breathtaking monastery. Home to winemaking activity since 1094, fabulous vineyard holdings and none other than Fritz Miesbauer in charge of vinous ventures. I first met Fritz back when he was the driving force behind the revitalisation of Domäne Wachau. After his prodigious achievements there, he moved to Stadt Krems, and now operates the Stift Göttweig winery in tandem. The Goettweiger Berg GV is a winner year in, year out and makes for a terrifically expressive ‘first Grüner’ on any list.

About

Fritz Miesbauer came to the Kremstal having built a stellar reputation for himself at Domäne Wachau (formerly known as Freie Weingärtner Wachau), which he turned into one of the world's finest cooperative wineries. Since 2003, he and his progressive team have been taking Weingut Stadt Krems to a new level. In addition, Fritz also runs the vineyards owned by the monastery at Stift Göttweig, with excellent support from cellarmaster Leopold Figl and Franz-Josef Gansberger. Fritz is a leader and visionary, adept at motivating his team into delivering the best from these world-class vineyards.