Proidl, Grüner Veltliner, Kremstal, Austria 2020

This 100% Grüner Veltliner is grown on alluvial sandy soils, fermented with native yeasts, and aged in tank for 6 months. The wine opens with aromas of orchard fruit, sage, wildflowers, and a touch of caramel. This is followed by crisp green apples and a crunchy mouthfeel on the palate; bright and lively with lots of spice flavors and a rich mouthfeel. It is beautifully balanced and offers uncomplicated drinking pleasure at a high level of quality. Light on its feet, but nevertheless quite substantial and persistent in expression.

The Proidl name has been in Senftenberg since 1650, and Proidl has been a traditional family winery since 1738. The estate is now on its ninth and tenth generations of winemakers. Their sweeping and steep vineyards total twenty-five hectares of vines in the most notable Kremstal single vineyard sites: Ehrenfels, Hochäcker, Pellingen, Pfenningberg and Rameln.

Lengthy spontaneous fermentation (sometimes many months), selective batonnage (lees stirring) and long intervals of maturation sur lie are the hallmarks of the Proidl style. The cellar makes use of both stainless steel tanks and the traditional large-format oak casks.