Urban, a fresh and lively Gruner Veltliner that at the same time presents depth. Grapefruit and green apples in the nose, some tropical fruit and a crispy finish. Beautifully crafted.
LESEHOF STAGÅRD, Kremstal Certified biodynamic
The history of Lesehof Stagård is as old as the town of Krems where it is situated: The "Lesehof der Tegernseer" was an old German abbey, first mentioned in official documents in 1424; its cellar dates back even further, to the year 1000. The estate passed into private hands in 1786. 10 generations later, the family – now in the hands of Dominique & Urban – has been pursuing an organic approach to the vineyards and cellar since 2006. The unusual name came to the organically certified winery from Urban's father, who originally hailed from Sweden.
The estate’s vineyards are in the some of the steepest locations of the western Kremstal. The climate as a whole is characterized by warm Pannonian influences from the east, but various micro- climates play an equally important role. Just as crucially, a variety of north-facing gaps and valleys allow cool air currents to flow through. Geologically, the steep slopes are mainly comprised of gneiss, although mica/slate and crystalline rock can also be found here and there, with sandy, conglomerate-rich soils of varying thicknesses above. Other areas, however, are little more than bare rock.
Their philosophy is to combine the characteristics of the grape variety with the natural conditions of the region and the vineyards. The wines are vibrant and distinguish themselves mainly by two factors: spontaneous and slow fermentation & extended time on the lees. “Above all,” says Urban, “we trust in time.” This allows each wine to find its own individual rhythm and equilibrium. These are true wines of terroir – crystalline, tense, and intellectually satisfying, not to mention delightful to drink.