Leth
Gruner Veltliner Ried Steinagrund – 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
Steinagrund is a fully terraced hillside. “Steinagrund” translates to “stony ground.”
- Vine age: 30 years
- Altitude: 220 – 280 meters
- Aspect: South
- Soils: Stony, gravelly soil, slightly to deeply covered with loess
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 spontaneous or selected yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
- Wine kept on lees until February
Winemaker's Notes
The bouquet promises fresh fruits and ripeness as well: yellow apple, honey melon and a hint of quince. On the palate a classic Grüner Veltliner, rich in fruit, a peppery spice, charming and full of finesse.
Wine Summary
100% Gruner Veltliner; Steinagrund vineyard; vine age 30 years; stony, gravelly soils with loess cover; no herbicides or pesticides; 11.5% alcohol; hand harvested; 6-8 hours skin contact; wine on full lees until February.
Technical Information
- 100% Gruner Veltliner grapes
- Alcohol: 11.5%
- RS: 1.0 g/L
- TA: 5.8 g/L
Reviews
89 Points
An unusual hint of passion fruit hovers on the nose. The palate then comes in with a slight but pithy texture that combines mellowness with ripe freshness. The finish is dry and clean.
Wine Enthusiast, September, 2019
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 |