Brundlmayer Gruner Veltliner Langenloiser Alte Reben 2022

Region and Vineyards

Situated in the Kamptal DAC in Lower Austria, the vineyards surrounding Langenlois are renowned for their exceptional terroir, ideal for growing Grüner Veltliner. The name “Alte Reben”, meaning “old vines,” refers to vineyards with plants averaging 45 years of age.

These older vines produce fewer, smaller grapes that benefit from an extensive root system, capable of drawing water and nutrients from deep within the soil. The result is fruit of exceptional concentration and flavor. The vineyards feature soils of loess, granite, and gneiss, lending minerality and structure to the wine, while the elevations between 260 to 380 meters allow for slow, balanced ripening.

The unique combination of age, terroir, and meticulous vineyard management produces a wine with depth, complexity, and a true sense of place.

Winemaking

The grapes for Langenloiser Alte Reben were harvested parcel by parcel throughout October with a meticulous hand selection to ensure only the best fruit was used. This attention to detail highlights the importance of preserving purity and expression in the wine.

The must was partially fermented in used Austrian oak barrels to introduce subtle texture and complexity, while the remainder was vinified in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness and fruit precision. After fermentation, the wine was racked into large oak casks for further maturation, allowing it to integrate and develop structure without overpowering the varietal character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright pale yellow with shimmering green reflections.
• Aroma: Lively and fresh, with enticing notes of hay flowers, pome fruits (apple, pear), stone fruits, and hints of pink grapefruit and citrus peel, alongside delicate touches of vanilla and white pepper.
• Palate: Fresh, juicy, and well-balanced, offering flavors of green apple, citrus zest, and subtle spices. The texture is silky, melting gracefully on the palate, leading to a long, spicy finish with lingering minerality and depth.

Did You Know?

The phrase “Alte Reben” (old vines) designates wines made from mature vineyards. These older vines produce smaller yields, resulting in wines of greater concentration, flavor intensity, and complexity. For Grüner Veltliner, such vineyards often reflect a profound expression of their terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs: The wine’s vibrant acidity and citrus notes enhance the delicate flavors of the fish.
• Roast veal with creamy mushroom sauce: The juicy texture and spice complement the richness of the sauce.
• Thai green curry with chicken: The fresh fruit and peppery notes balance the dish’s spice and coconut creaminess.
• Pork tenderloin with apple compote: The wine’s pome fruit character harmonizes beautifully with the dish’s sweet-savory elements.

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.