Leth
Gruner Veltliner Ried Scheiben Erste Lagen – 2018
Region: Austria - Wagram
Leth
Established in the early 1960s, Weingut Leth has become a renowned winery in Fels am Wagram in just three generations. The Leth family are members of the Traditionsweinguter Osterreich (association of traditional wineries in Austria), and believe it is their obligation to express the characteristics of their region, their soils, their climate, their grape varieties and cellars in their wines. Franz Leth, Franz Jr. and the entire Leth family are committed to these ideals.
The Wagram region of Austria is home to Europe’s most extensive loess soil formations. The region formed when glacial winds blew fine particles of agglomerated clay, sand and lime – loess – onto the prehistoric bedrock of the ancient course of the Danube river. The layers are up to 20 meters deep, and enable vine roots to delve deeply and absorb water and nutrients from the mineral-rich subsoils. Combined with the benevolent climate and wide temperature variation from day to night, perfect conditions combine to create unique terroir wines.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Scheiben vineyard is located on the heart of the Wagram slope
- Vine age: more than 50 years
- Altitude: 240 -260 meters
- Aspect: South
- Soils: pure loess, rich in limestone
Harvest Notes
- No herbicides for 25 years
- No pesticides for 10 years
- No irrigation or fertilizers
- 12 hours of skin contact, then pneumatic pressing
- 12 hours settling, clear juice fermentation with selected yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
- After 5 weeks the wine is transferred on full lees to large wooden casks for 9 months
Winemaker's Notes
Medium green-yellow. Elegant aromas and flavors of Golden Delicious apple and passion fruit are enveloped in delicate orange zest and a touch of peppery spice. Tautly structured with juicy acidity. Notes of tropical fruit join in on the dark mineral finish. Excellent aging potential.
Wine Summary
100% Gruner Veltliner; Scheiben “Erste Lagen” vineyard; vine age over 50 years; pure loess soils rich in limestone; no herbicides or pesticides; 13.2% alcohol; hand harvested; 12 hours skin contact; 5 weeks maceration; 9 months on full lees.
Technical Information
- 100% Gruner Veltliner grapes
- Alcohol: 13.2%
- RS: 2.2 g/L
- TA: 5.6 g/L
Reviews
95 Points
I love the combination of bright cloves, lemon peel, apple strudel and pear tart, which make for a complex impression. The chalky texture and confident acidity gives a sense of minerality. The full-bodied palate is inviting, compressed and elegant. Drink now or hold.
jamessuckling.com, December, 2019
92 Points
Leth’s 2018 Grüner Veltliner Ried Scheiben 1ÖTW is clear and intense on the ethereal and purely mineral and spicy, elegant and flinty nose. Round, refined and elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied and well-balanced Veltliner with a long and very clear and even crisp and complex finish. Tasted at Schloss Grafenegg in September 2019. Drink 2020 – 2035
© Wine Advocate, March, 2020
General Info
| Country | Austria |
| Region | Niederösterreich |
| Appellation(s) | Wagram |
| Proprietors | Franz Leth Family |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Winemaker | Franz Leth Jr. |
| Annual Production | 25,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable |