Leth
Riesling Ried Brunnthal Erste Lagen – 2017
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 on the top of the hillside. Huge swing in temperature between day and night. With over 50 years of age, this vineyard is their “Methuselah.”
- Vine age: over 50 years
- Altitude: 300 meters
- Soils: pure loess, rich in limestone
Harvest Notes
- Extra small, highly concentrated grapes with low yield are hand harvested
- 12 hours on skins before gentle pressing
- Fermentation in stainless steel tank with indigenous yeasts
- Wine stays on fine lees until August bottling
Winemaker's Notes
Brilliant yellow with golden highlights. Sweet apricots, pineapple and a touch of lime on the nose. Wonderfully concentrated and elegantly textured, with a minerally backbone on the long lasting finish. Superb potential for further development.
Wine Summary
100% Riesling; Brunnthal “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; stays on fine lees until August bottling.
Technical Information
- 100% Riesling grapes
- Alcohol: 13.2%
- RS: 5.9 g/L
- TA: 5.9 g/L
Reviews
91 Points
Fresh and lemony with a ton of fruit and lively acidity, this is an attractive dry riesling that’s easy to enjoy. Good balance at the long, clean finish. Drink now. Screw cap.
jamessuckling.com, October, 2018
92 Points
The 2017 Ried Brunnthal 1ÖTW Riesling displays a ripe, bright and concentrated bouquet of white stone fruits. It is an elegant, densely textured and salty-mineral Riesling with good concentration and a bitter finish. Powerful and with good length. Tasted at Schloss Grafenegg, September 2018. 2020 – 2035
© Wine Advocate, December, 2018
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 |