Grapes: Chenin Blanc
Region: Kamptal, Austria
Vintage: 2019
Viticulture: Organic + Biodynamic
Soils: Mica schist
Vinification: The grapes were harvested by hand and gently pressed as whole bunches before being fermented spontaneously.
Aging: After more than two years on the lees in used Austrian oak barrels, the wine was bottled unfiltered and then matured in the bottle at the winery for several years.
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal
Notes from the Importer: Alwin and Stef Jurtschitsch took over the family winery in 2006 and immediately got to work, converting all of the vineyards to organic viticulture, replanting more densely, using whey to treat mildew instead of using copper sulphate, and working with new pruning methods. All the vineyards are certified organic and protecting biodiversity has always been a priority. Jurtschitsch explains that, “The more life you have in the vineyard, the more stable the entire system is.” Wildlife is abundant in the Jurtschitsch vineyards, with many fruit trees, grass, garlic, wildflowers and butterflies fluttering among the vines. Jurtschitsch aims for a classic style of Kamptal wines, but more like an old-style of classic, that was made by their grandparents. This means, emphasizing the cool climate of Austria and making wines with finesse that strike a balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Stefanie Jurtschitsch manages the winemaking and she is making wines which let the vineyards and soils speak for themselves. They only use spontaneous fermentations and work without any additions, aside from minimal sulfur. The entry-level wines are made in stainless steel, but all the single vineyard Erste Lagen wines are aged in large oak foudres. As of 2016, they have started a second line of wines called, ‘Discoveries of Langenlois’ which are bottled under “Alwin und Stefanie Jurtschitsch”. These wines push boundaries and allow them to play outside of the classic style, opting for skin contact, and low to no sulfur. Although the two lines show different expressions, the wines are coming from the same vineyards, farming is the same, and both are low intervention in the cellar; they are two sides to the same coin. The wines shine in multi-faceted elegance, offering drinking pleasure at highest level without being baroque and heavy.
2019 was a vintage with almost ideal conditions. After a mild and dry winter, low temperatures in May slowed growth, while occasional rain showers provided the soil with sufficient water. After a hot June, the summer was warm but never extreme, allowing both vines and grapes to develop steadily. The grape found their perfect balance, which is reflected in vibrant wines that are shaped by their terroir.
