History of Bründlmayer
The Bründlmayer estate is a family-owned winery with roots that trace back several generations. Under the leadership of Willi Bründlmayer, who took over the reins in the 1980s, the estate rose to international prominence. Willi’s visionary approach, emphasizing sustainability and respect for the environment, transformed Bründlmayer into one of Austria’s most acclaimed producers.
Willi Bründlmayer pioneered innovative techniques, such as the introduction of the Lyra trellis system, which enhances the health and quality of the vines. This, coupled with his commitment to showcasing the unique terroir of Kamptal, positioned the winery as a global leader in single-vineyard expressions.
Today, the estate is managed by Willi Bründlmayer and his family, who continue to uphold its legacy of sustainability, precision winemaking, and elegance.
Region and Vineyards
The Bründlmayer vineyards are situated in the heart of the Kamptal DAC, one of Austria’s most celebrated wine regions, known for its exceptional conditions for white wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The estate owns approximately 80 hectares of vines, planted on diverse soils ranging from loess and loam to primary rock (gneiss, mica-schist, and granite).
Among the estate’s iconic sites are:
- Zöbinger Heiligenstein: Famous for its Permian desert sandstone soils, this vineyard is considered one of the best sites for Riesling in Austria, producing wines with remarkable minerality and finesse.
- Kammerner Lamm: Known for its calcareous clay and loess soils, this vineyard produces powerful and structured Grüner Veltliner, with richness and aging potential.
- Steinmassl: A high-altitude site with gneiss and mica-schist soils, yielding elegant, mineral-driven Rieslings with great precision.
The estate’s vineyards are farmed sustainably, with great attention to soil health, biodiversity, and minimal intervention, ensuring the best expression of the region’s unique terroir.
Wine Range of Bründlmayer
Bründlmayer produces a diverse range of wines that highlight the estate’s versatility and dedication to quality:
- Single-Vineyard Rieslings: Wines like Zöbinger Heiligenstein and Steinmassl are celebrated for their purity, aromatic precision, and aging potential.
- Grüner Veltliner: From the approachable Langenloiser to the rich and age-worthy Kammerner Lamm, Bründlmayer’s Grüner Veltliners showcase the varietal’s depth and versatility.
- Sparkling Wines: Crafted using the traditional method, these wines reflect the estate’s innovation and attention to detail, offering vibrant acidity and finesse.
- Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: Limited-production wines that highlight the estate’s ability to produce exceptional Burgundian-style wines in Austria.
Did You Know?
Bründlmayer was one of the first Austrian wineries to adopt the Lyra trellis system, where the vines are trained in a “Y” shape. This technique doubles the leaf canopy, promoting better ripening, reducing disease risk, and enhancing the overall quality of the grapes.