Markus Huber Alte Setzen Gruner Veltliner Erste OTW Lage 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Alte Setzen vineyard is located in Traisental DAC, a small but highly regarded wine region in Austria. This vineyard occupies a gently sloping east-facing site with loess soils derived from a two-meter-thick layer of calcareous sediment deposited by the ancient Traisen River approximately 15 million years ago. Beneath the loess lies a conglomerate from the Hollenburg-Karlstetten Formation, rich in limestone and dolomite clasts, contributing to the vineyard’s mineral complexity.

The vineyard’s microclimate, with cool nights and sunny days, ensures a long ripening period, allowing the grapes to develop vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors.

Winemaking

The vintage began with a careful selection of physiologically ripe grapes. After harvest, the grapes were crushed and left in contact with the skins for 12 hours to extract aromatics and structure. The juice was then pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks.

To enhance texture and complexity, the wine was split, with 50% aged in traditional acacia wood casks (2500 liters) and the other 50% in stainless steel tanks. The wine underwent bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) for eight months, which imparted richness and depth, resulting in a well-balanced and age-worthy wine.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense yellow with greenish hues.
• Aroma: An expansive bouquet ranging from delicate herbal spice and tobacco notes to ripe stone fruit aromas.
• Palate: Concentrated and structured, offering a harmonious balance of ripe acidity, minerality, and richness. The finish is long, layered, and elegant.

Did You Know?

The Alte Setzen vineyard benefits from soils that are millions of years old, formed from ancient river sediments. This unique geological heritage gives the wine its distinct minerality and complex flavor profile, reflecting both the land’s history and Markus Huber’s commitment to biodynamic practices.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Pork Belly with Asian Spices: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness, while its complexity complements the bold spices.
• Roasted Duck with Plum Sauce: The ripe fruit and herbal notes pair beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.
• Vegetable Stir-fry with Soy and Ginger: Its vibrant acidity and minerality enhance the umami and freshness of the stir-fry.
• Red Cheese (Reblochon or Livarot): The wine’s structure and acidity balance the intense flavors of aged red cheeses.

History of Weingut Markus Huber

Markus Huber’s roots stretch back to 1648, making it one of Austria’s oldest family-run wineries. However, the estate’s modern renaissance began with Markus Huber, who took the helm in the early 2000s. Markus quickly transformed the family estate into a globally respected producer through his innovative vision and dedication to elevating the potential of the Traisental DAC.

Markus Huber's philosophy centers on crafting wines that express the authenticity of the region’s unique terroirs, using sustainable practices and minimal intervention. Under his leadership, the winery has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named Falstaff Winemaker of the Year and earning prestigious ratings from international critics like Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling.

Region and Vineyards

Situated in Austria’s Traisental DAC, Weingut Huber’s vineyards benefit from a unique terroir defined by calcareous conglomerates of the Hollenburg-Karlstetten Formation, topped with loess and clay. These soils are particularly suited to Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, imbuing the wines with exceptional mineral depth, vibrancy, and complexity.

The Traisental region, Austria’s smallest DAC, is characterized by a cool continental climate with significant diurnal temperature variation. This climate enhances aromatic precision and preserves the natural acidity that defines the wines of the region. Huber’s vineyards include Erste Lage (First Growth) sites such as Alte Setzen, Berg, and Zwirch, each contributing distinct nuances to his wines.

Wine Range of Markus Huber

Markus Huber specializes in single-vineyard wines that showcase the diversity of Traisental’s terroirs, including:

• Grüner Veltliner: The estate’s flagship grape, expressing both elegance and power, particularly in Erste Lage wines like Zwirch, Berg, and Alte Setzen.
• Riesling: Renowned for its precision and finesse, with hallmark examples from vineyards such as Berg.
• Regional Wines: Offering approachable yet terroir-driven wines that capture the essence of the Traisental DAC.
• Sparkling Wines: Crafted with traditional methods, these wines reflect Markus Huber’s commitment to innovation.

Huber’s wines consistently showcase balance, structure, and a harmonious interplay of fruit and minerality, earning a loyal following among wine lovers and critics alike.

Did You Know?

Markus Huber is a leader in sustainable viticulture, employing organic practices across its vineyards. Markus Huber is also a founding member of the ÖTW (Austrian Traditional Wineries), an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Austria’s best vineyard sites.