Nikolaihof Aus den Garten Grüner Veltliner Federspiel 2023

With almost 2,000 years of history, Nikolaihof is the oldest winery in Austria and one of the first in the world to have begun working by biodynamic principles according to the regulations of the Demeter Association. In 1894 the Saahs family took over the estate and carried on the traditions the monks had established here. Integrated farming continued, and even as winemaking and grape growing took a larger role at Nikolaihof in the 1960s, chemicals were never used in farming. Nikolaihof has been practicing Bio-dynamics since 1971, making them one of the longest Bio-dynamic practicing wineries in the world. Nikolaihof became Demeter certified Biodynamic in 1998. Annual bottle production of 95 000 bottles.

Grape Varietals & Region: 100% Gruner Veltliner from a collection of parcels in Wachau, Austria, from vines with an average age of 50 years old. It comes primarily from the Im Weingebirge site, which is one of Europe's oldest vineyards dating back to 511AD. The soil is varied with loess on the higher terraces and deep topsoil over primary rock lower down the slope

Taste Profile: Lemon yellow. The aroma of the Federspiel is somewhat reminiscent of cooling biscuit dough, biscuits and a little caramel with lemon curd, ripe apple and physalis with a slight hint of ripeness. There is also a little petrol and rooibos in the background. With air some dry herbs and orange slices mix into the aroma. The texture of this Grüner Veltliner is stunningly elegant and silky. The acidity is both ripe and silky, lively and persistent. 

WInemaking Process: Alcoholic fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts in Austrian oak vats. It then ages for 6 months in 2,000 to 12,000 litre wooden foudres before being bottled.