Leth
Gruner Veltliner Ried Brunnthal 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
Brunnthal is situated at the top of the hillside in Fels am Wagram
- Vine age: 35 – 50 years
- Altitude: 300 meters
- Aspect: South
- Soils: pure loess, rich in limestone
Harvest Notes
- No herbicides used in vineyard for 25 years
- No pesticides for 10 years
- No irrigation or fertilizers
- Harvested by hand with strict grape selection
- 6-8 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. Apricot and yellow apple with delicate notes of tobacco, herbal and peppery spice comprise a multifaceted bouquet. Full bodied and complex with passion fruit and pepper flavoring the firm mineral structure. Displays finesse and good ageing potential.
Wine Summary
100% Gruner Veltliner; Brunnthal “Erste Lagen” vineyard; vine age 35 – 50 years; pure loess soils rich in limestone; no herbicides or pesticides; 13% alcohol; hand harvested; 6-8 hours skin contact; 5 weeks maceration; 9 months on full lees; bottled in August 2019.
Technical Information
- 100% Gruner Veltliner grapes
- Alcohol: 13%
- RS: 1.1 g/L
- TA: 5.7 g/L
Reviews
94 Points
So much floral intensity in play, with everything from honeysuckle, jasmine, orchids, green pears and Granny Smith apples thrown in. Lithe texture, punctuated by steely rods of acidity. Flavors of lemons and stone fruit intermingle in a silky finish. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, December, 2019
91+ Points
The 2018 Grüner Veltliner Ried Brunnthal 1ÖTW is deep, ripe and mineral on the nose. The palate is round and intense, elegant and intensely fruity but with a mineral bass line that leads to a long and intense, well-structured finish. Tasted at Schloss Grafenegg in September 2019. Drink 2019 – 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 |