Weingut Stadt Krems > Kremstal

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KREMSTAL

Weingut Stadt Krems is in a class by itself: the enterprise is owned by a municipality. On the one hand, this implies an obligation to provide a model for all the vineyards in the region. On the other hand, the enterprise is subject to all the timetables and plans of the municipal administration. This position makes managing a vineyard especially challenging.

Historically, Weingut Stadt Krems arose from two sources. The first source is the property of the Bürgerspitalstiftung – In 1210, Duke Leopold IV of Babenberg founded a public hospital in Krems and left important legacies to it, including vineyards. The second source was the generous bequest of the imperial Burggrave of Krems, Ulrich von Dachsberg, who presented the town with vineyards in 1452. With over 550 years of history, Weingut Stadt Krems is one of the oldest wine-producers in Austria, and even in the whole of Europe.

Weingut Stadt Krems cultivates 30 hectares of vineyards on its own estate, which are exclusively on the best terraced locations of the city of Krems. They have two different types of soil.

The vineyards to the east of the city are made up of loess soil. In the Weinzierlberg, Sandgrube and Gebling vineyards, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay und even Bluer Zweigelt are grown in addition to the predominant variety, Riesling.

To the west of the city, bordering on the winegrowing area Wachau, the landscape is mainly formed of small terraces on steep mountain slopes. This is where the vineyards of Pfaffenberg, Grillenparz, Wachtberg, Kögl and Kremsleiten are located, where Grüner Veltliner and, above all, Riesling are grown.

Falstaff Wine Guide 2004/2005 -- Peter Moser

“With over 550 years of history, the Weingut Stadt Krems ranks among Austria's, and even Europe's, oldest wine Producers.

Since July 2003, the winery is run by a young and innovative team under the leadership of Fritz Miesbauer, who successfully managed the Freie Weingärtner Wachau until that time.

After investments in the cellar, the winery made an amazing leap in quality.

“There is no weak point in the whole range of wine”, that's how “wine priest” Hans Denk, a wine expert widely known in Austria, judged the winery's achievements.

The flagship offerings of the Weingut Stadt Krems comprise Riesling and Grüner Veltliners, which cover more than 90 percent of the area under vine. Overall, the Weingut Stadt Krems manages 30 hectares of self owned vineyards which are exclusively located in the best terraced sites-Weinzierlberg, Wachtberg, Kögl and Grillenparz-of the city of Krems. Primitive rock soils (gneiss and slate) produce grapes for pure, terroir-driven wines.”

International Wine Cellar Nov/Dec 2004 – David Schildknecht

My somewhat expanded forays into the Krems environs this year (where, thankfully, more wineries than ever have found U. S. importers) included a visit with Fritz Miesbauer, formerly of the Freie Weingrtner Wachau, who is crafting promising material at the Weingut der Stadt Krems (imported by Vin Divino). Largely late-harvested, the 2003s here tended toward pronounced and at times drying phenolics. Most successful was a starworthy 2003 Riesling Grillenpartz that displayed oily richness along with the floral perfume and refined minerality one might hope to find from a steep site that borders the Steiner Hund.

Weingut Stadt Krems Website

Grüner Veltliner Sandgrube

The typically Veltliner is tangy and light. This is because of the good loess soil and the very good climate. It is dry and fruity; creamy and charming. This wine fits for many opportunities, and is an ideal partner for traditional Austrian meals, but you can drink it also to asian food. This Grüner Veltliner delivers aromas and juicy flavors of citrus, melon, herb and nuts (The Wine Advocate 8/2005)

At November 18th and 24th the grapes were harvested. These were harvested strictly selective. After they were destemmed and pressed carefully, the must was fermented under controlled temperature in a stainless steel tank.

Grüner Veltliner Weinzierlberg

In the year 1112 the Weinzierlberg was named "vinetager - mountain of vintager". The terroir is dominated by loess soil over gravel and stones. But also has the pannonic climate a big effect.

The grapes of Grüner Veltliner were harvested on 31th of October and 1st of November 2003. They were strictly selected. After they were destemmed and pressed carefully, the must was fermented under controlled temperature in a stainless steel tank.

This wine offers ripe aromas of brown spice-accented peaches and plums as well as Veltliner-typical snap peas. The palate is sappy and fruit filled, with plenty of cut, clarity, and crisp vegetable, juicy pit fruit, and tart red raspberry character. The finish is long and refreshing, with subtly salty suggestions of minerality (The wine advocate 8/2005). This Grüner Veltliner is an ideal partner for traditional Austrian meals, but also for Asian food.

Grüner Veltliner Wachtberg

The mighty terraces of Wachtberg belong to the Weingut Stadt Krems since the 12 th century. The terroir is dominated by loess soil over gneiss but also by the pannonic climate. The grape vines in this vineyard are 45 years old, and every year we are able to harvest clusters in good quality.

On the 7 th of November 2003 Grüner Veltliner Wachtberg was harvested. One half of this Veltliner was fermented in a big wooden cask (2.000 liters) the other half in a stainless steel tank.

The wine has smoke, pepper and tobacco flavors. This Grüner Veltliner is an ideal partner for traditional Austrian meals, but it can also be served with Asian Food.

TIP: Put this wine into a glass made for Burgundy - wines, the wine develops an attractive, fruity, pleasant sweetness and a clearly defined nose.

Riesling Grillenparz

The legendary vineyard "Grillenparz" is behind the beautiful old city of Stein. For the first time this vineyard was mentioned at 1180 called "Ad Grillenporce".

The vineyard Grillenparz is famous for Riesling-grapes, because they grow on a special soil. And so the Riesling is very good mineralised and fruity.

The Riesling was harvested on the 4 th of November 2003. The storage time of must has been 18 hours. The wine was fermented and completed in a stainless steel tank.

Riesling Grillenparz has a wonderful bouquet. The exotic notes reminds of bananas, pineapple and citrus are dominating. This wine is juicy and elegant. It is an ideal partner for chicken and fish, but also to exotic meals like sushi, Chinese food and Indian food.

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