Weingut Brundlmayer Sekt Brut Rose Reserve N.V.
(Kamptal, Austria) - [JS 92] [WA 92] [WE 92]

About the Winery:

Willi Bründlmayer farms 90 hectares of Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, St. Laurent, Zweigelt and Burgundian varieties from an impressive collection of grand cru vineyards around Langenlois. In 2016 Andreas Wickhoff MW  joined the estate and as general manager works alongside Willi in all aspects.

Some of the most geologically diverse terroirs in Europe are here, in the heart of the Kamptal. The Danube and Kamp rivers and the wooded hills of the Waldviertel forest create a climate with large diurnal temperature swings, essential to a long growing season. These rocky, terraced vineyards are not the steep, jagged terraces of the Kremstal or the Wachau; these are larger wider terraces, each creating its own micro climate. The most famous vineyards in the region are located in the village of Zöbing. This small village is home to a number of ‘Grand Cru’ (Erste Lagen) vineyards, including the Zöbinger Heiligenstein, composed of 250 million year old sandstone and the Lamm, at the base of the Heiligenstein, where loess fills fissures and cracks in the sandstone. Bründlmayer has holdings in other top vineyards in the area, including Käferberg, across the Kamp river valley from the Heiligenstein, with marine deposits over primary rock, as well as the Loiserberg and Steinmassl. Bründlmayer has a very high proportion of old vines, with many plantings over 50 years old, and a parcel in the Heiligenstein planted in the 1920s.

Willi has converted some (17ha in total) of his vineyards to the Lyre training system, which he helped develop. Vines are trained low to the ground, to benefit from the warmth of the primary rock soils, then the canes are trained at an angle upward and perpendicular to the row, which doubles the sunlit and aired foliage surface and improves grape ripeness. The well-aired leaves also dry faster, thus reducing the risk of dreaded grape mildew.

As of 2019, Bründlmayer is certified organic by LACON, an outside, objective, certifying body. During harvest, multiple selections through the vineyard are made, as botrytis is never accepted. Grapes are never de-stemmed or crushed, and they are handled as minimally as possible. A tiny portion of grapes are held back, de-stemmed, and macerated for 12 hours; Willi uses these as ‘seasoning’ during blending to add another dimension and tonality to the final wines.

About the Wine:

Grapes are harvested between the first week of September and the second week of October. This sparkling wine is made of main red varieties Pinot Noir, Zweigelt and St Laurent.

Cépages: Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, Zweigelt (still red Zweigelt is also blended in)
Assemblage: Variable
Vineyard/Village: Various chalk heavy sites
Malo: Yes
Elevage: Stainless steel fermentation, aging in 300L and 2500L Austrian Oak
En Tirage Aging: 18-24 months

Tasting Notes:

Light salmon hue with red-golden reflections. A fine persistent mousse, delicate but very animated. The fruit & spice aroma gives undertones of cherries and wild strawberries, a bit of citrus and caramel and yeast notes. Fruity and creamy with an underlying complexity on the palate; also elegant acidity and a minerally extract. Remarkably harmonious structure.

Ratings & Reviews:

92 Points - James Suckling

“This sleek, very elegant and focused Austrian sparkler reminds me of extra brut Champagne with its aromas of lemon zest, flesh and juice. The chalkiness at the long, precise finish pulls you back for more. Champagne method including hand riddling. Disgorged 2nd February 2022. Drink now.” (Feb 2022)

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast

“A lovely touch of red currant plays alongside lemon on the tender nose. The palate strikes a more mellow tone, casting the red currant tartness against a creamy, yeasty core with the merest hint of pleasant phenolic bitterness. A guiding, profound seam of freshness seems to emanate the finest of bubbles on this elegant, pink Sekt” – Anne Krebiehl MW (Dec 2020)