Brundlmayer Riesling Zobinger Heiligenstein Lyra 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Zöbinger Heiligenstein vineyard, located in the Kamptal DAC of Lower Austria, is one of the oldest and most prestigious Riesling sites in Austria. The vineyard’s southwest to southeast exposure ensures ideal sun exposure, while the unique Permian desert sandstone soils—dating back 270 million years—provide exceptional drainage and minerality.

The sediments in the soil contain volcanic inclusions and remnants of ancient vegetation, which add to the vineyard’s uniqueness and give the wines their remarkable mineral character. The vineyard benefits from a dual climate influence: warm Pannonian winds during the day and cool gusts descending through the Kamp Valley at night, which enhance the grapes' aromatic intensity and retain vibrant acidity.

Approximately 20% of the vines in Heiligenstein are cultivated using the Lyra trellis system. In this method, the vines are trained to bifurcate like “sun worshippers,” doubling the leaf canopy. This promotes better aeration, enhanced photosynthesis, and natural protection from fungal diseases. The rigorous thinning of the yields ensures that the grapes achieve exceptional concentration and quality.

Winemaking

The hand-harvested grapes, carefully selected between September 21 and October 4, are gently pressed to preserve their freshness and purity. The juice undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 15 to 20°C, which allows the pristine fruit character to shine through.

Following fermentation, the wine rests on fine lees until bottling in August of the following year. This extended lees contact enhances the wine’s texture and complexity without compromising its lively freshness.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale yellow with shimmering green hues.
• Aroma: Opens with a burst of white flowers and delicate notes of acacia honey, followed by vibrant hints of yuzu citrus, white peaches, and a touch of minerality.
• Palate: Lush yet refined, with a core of sweet, bright fruit and vibrant acidity. The wine flows across the palate with growing complexity, maintaining finesse and precision. The long, elegant finish highlights its minerality and energy.

Did You Know?

The Zöbinger Heiligenstein vineyard is renowned not only for its wines but also for its unique geology. Its Permian sandstone is among the oldest vineyard soils in Austria, lending Riesling wines from this site their characteristic mineral precision and exceptional aging potential.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs: The vibrant citrus notes of the wine complement the freshness of the fish.
• Peking duck: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the duck while enhancing the dish’s savory flavors.
• Veal schnitzel with potato salad: A classic pairing where the wine’s finesse matches the crisp texture of the dish.
• Spicy Thai seafood curry: The wine’s lively acidity and fruit balance the dish’s heat and creamy 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.