Martin Muthenthaler Vergelt's Gott Gruner Veltliner 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Ried Schön vineyard is located in the cooler subregion of Spitzer Graben within Wachau, Austria. The vines grow on steep terraces with soils rich in schist, which imbue the wine with its characteristic intense minerality. The vineyard’s high elevation and cool microclimate encourage slow ripening, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity and complex, layered flavors. The vineyard is organically farmed—although not certified—reflecting Muthenthaler’s commitment to sustainability and natural viticulture.

These challenging conditions produce low yields of Grüner Veltliner, but the fruit is highly concentrated, with grapes that express the unique terroir of the region. The cooler climate of Spitzer Graben is key to maintaining the freshness and balance that define the wine’s profile.

Winemaking

The Vergelt's Gott Grüner Veltliner is crafted with a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the natural character of the fruit and the terroir to shine through. After hand-harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented in large oak foudres. The wine is then aged for 12 months on its lees in 600-liter oak barrels, which adds complexity and texture without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.

Muthenthaler’s choice of using large, neutral oak barrels ensures that the focus remains on the minerality and vibrant acidity of the wine, with only subtle oak influence. The extended lees aging contributes to the wine's creamy texture and enhances its depth and mouthfeel, while the restrained oak allows for a seamless integration of flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale yellow with bright green reflections.
• Aroma: The nose opens with aromas of ripe orchard fruits such as green apple and pear, intertwined with a distinct mineral note and hints of white pepper.
• Palate: The palate is full-bodied and round, with flavors of stone fruits, citrus, and a touch of exotic spice. The wine’s minerality is pronounced, balanced by a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine fresh and lively.
• Finish: The finish is long and structured, with lingering notes of flint, saline, and a subtle citrus bitterness that adds to the wine's complexity and aging potential.

Did You Know?

The name Vergelt's Gott translates to "God bless you" or "Thank you," and is a traditional Austrian expression of gratitude. This wine is a reflection of Martin Muthenthaler’s gratitude for the land and its ability to produce such extraordinary wines. The wine, made from old vines, is a testament to his dedication to organic and low-intervention winemaking, ensuring that the unique terroir of Wachau is expressed with authenticity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs: The fresh acidity and minerality of the wine complement the delicate flavors of the fish, while its creamy texture balances the richness.
• Asparagus risotto: The herbal and green notes of the Grüner Veltliner enhance the earthy flavors of asparagus, and the wine’s acidity cuts through the creaminess of the risotto.
• Roast chicken with thyme: The wine’s depth and complexity pair beautifully with the savory and herbaceous qualities of roast chicken, while its acidity balances the richness.
• Goat cheese salad: The bright acidity and minerality of the wine pair well with the tangy, creamy texture of goat cheese, creating a refreshing contrast.

History of Martin Muthenthaler Estate

Martin Muthenthaler took over his family’s vineyards in 2006, transitioning from a career as a mechanic to full-time winemaking. His approach has always been to allow the land to speak for itself, crafting wines that reflect the true essence of their origin. Since 2010, Muthenthaler has farmed his 3 hectares of vineyards organically, focusing on sustainability and preserving the environment.

His deep-rooted vines, many of which are over 70 years old, produce small yields but deliver highly concentrated fruit. He practices low-intervention winemaking, avoiding modern additives, and allowing the wine to develop naturally in the cellar. His preference for using old oak barrels instead of new oak highlights the wine’s inherent complexity without overpowering its fruit character.

Region and Vineyards

The Spitzer Graben is a narrow valley in Wachau, known for its steep, terraced vineyards and schist-rich soils. This cooler subregion has a unique microclimate that ensures slow ripening, resulting in wines with high acidity, vibrant freshness, and intense minerality. The extreme slopes of the vineyards make vineyard management challenging but contribute to the wine’s concentration and depth of flavor.

Muthenthaler’s vineyards are situated in premier sites such as Ried Brandstatt, Ried Bruck, and Ried Schön. These sites are known for producing some of the most mineral-driven wines in the Wachau, with the cooler climate ensuring long hang times for the grapes, allowing them to develop complexity and balance.

Wine Range

Martin Muthenthaler focuses on crafting a small, high-quality range of wines that showcase the diversity of the Wachau terroir. His wines are renowned for their purity, elegance, and vibrant acidity, and are often unfiltered to preserve their natural texture and character. Key wines in his portfolio include:

• Grüner Veltliner Ried Brandstatt: A complex and mineral-rich wine with subtle smoky nuances, aged in old oak barrels to allow the terroir to shine.
• Riesling Ried Bruck: A vibrant and structured Riesling with pronounced stone fruit and stony minerality, reflecting the rocky soils of the vineyard.
• Grüner Veltliner Gut am Steg: A precise, herbaceous Grüner Veltliner that captures the cool, mineral character of the Spitzer Graben region.
• Riesling Monopol Stern: A Riesling with rich fruit, fresh acidity, and a hint of salinity, matured in large acacia barrels to add texture and complexity.

Small Production, High Quality

One of the hallmarks of Martin Muthenthaler is his dedication to small-scale production. With only 3 hectares of vines, each bottle produced receives meticulous attention from the vineyard to the winery. This artisanal approach allows him to closely monitor every step of the process, ensuring that the wines fully express their vineyard origins with minimal interference. The result is a collection of highly sought-after wines that appeal to collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate authentic, terroir-driven expressions.

Focus on Sustainability and Natural Winemaking

Muthenthaler’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond organic farming. He practices minimal intervention in the winery, favoring natural fermentation and avoiding additives. His wines are often unfined and unfiltered, preserving the natural texture and full range of flavors. This approach allows the wines to develop naturally, reflecting their vintage and vineyard with honesty and purity. His use of old oak barrels and a preference for no new oak ensure that the wines retain their vibrancy, with subtle smoky or mineral undertones rather than overt wood flavors.

Cult Following

Though Martin Muthenthaler produces a limited quantity of wine, his reputation has grown significantly in recent years. He has developed a bit of a cult following among wine enthusiasts who seek out wines that highlight terroir and minimalism. His wines, particularly those from top vineyards like Ried Brandstatt, are considered highly collectible for their combination of precision, complexity, and ageing potential.

Did You Know?

The Spitzer Graben subregion, where Muthenthaler’s vineyards are located, is one of the coolest parts of the Wachau. The area’s unique microclimate ensures that even in summer, the evenings can be too cold to sit outside comfortably. This cool climate, paired with the schist-rich soils, contributes to the slow ripening of grapes, which is key to the wines' vibrant acidity and mineral complexity.