Gobelsburg Riesling Urgestein

There were already vineyards in central Austria even before the Romans arrived. But when they did, they spread vines across the whole country. However, various invasions over time caused some ups and downs in their growth. It was the Cistercian monks who helped to revive production from the 12th century onwards.  An example of this is Schloss Gobelsburg, a winery that has origins in the Cistercian abbey of Zwettl in the year 1171, making it the oldest winery on the edge of the Danube River.

With 35 hectares of quality vineyards, this wine project has been maintained over the years with the same nobility and authenticity. The current owner, Michael Moosbrugger, is advised by renowned winemaker Willi Bründlmayer. Together they make Gobelsburg Riesling Urgestein, a single-variety Riesling made in the Niederösterreich denomination in Lower Austria (Austria). From young vines planted on slopes composed of primary rock, traditional agriculture is used with organic treatments that were used by the monks themselves, without machinery or chemicals. In the winery the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed and the resulting must is fermented at a controlled temperature.

The result is fascinatingly expressive. Gobelsburg Riesling Urgestein is a fragrant, fresh and mineral white wine where, due to the young age of the vines, the Riesling variety’s character comes through beautifully.