2022 Domäne Wachau 'Liebenberg' Grüner Veltliner

Domäne Wachau is one of the most highly respected and awarded wine co-ops in the world. It is led by Roman Horvath MW who was Austria’s first ever Master of Wine. Roman purchases fruit from some of the most passionate and hard working farmers from the most revered sites in the Wachau.

The history of the vineyard Liebenberg dates back to the 14th century. Early records mention “lieb’nperig“, which later became “Liebenberg”. The views of this south- and southwest-facing site are lined by stone walls. Liebenberg is situated in the western part of Dürnstein and has rather cooler influences compared to, for example, Kellerberg. Liebenberg is one of the most fascinating vineyards in the Wachau; various forms of paragneiss represent the parent rock for the soils.

'The 2023 Grüner Veltliner Liebenberg Federspiel grows in a mix of paragneiss and amphibolite and is from vines between 60 and 100 years old. It is fermented in stainless steel and a large neutral barrel. The merest touch of white miso and pepper appears on the shy nose. Immediate, smooth and rounded ripeness defines the body, whereas yeasty juiciness suggests both stone fruit and pear, ripe but still crunchy. Concentration on the palate brings out zestiness rather than yeast and continues in a sinuous, smooth, balanced flow towards the fresh finish that captures ripeness as much as brightness. 92 points.' Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous

Wachau, Austria