Biodynamic Wines of Austria
Biodynamic wines.
Have you wondered if biodynamic wines taste better than “other wine?” And what are biodynamic wines, anyway?
To call itself “biodynamic” a winery must adhere to certain principles in the vineyard and winery. The principles of biodynamic wines were first developed by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s and have their origins in science, history, agriculture, and philosophy.
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The Respekt Classification
But this blog post isn’t about biodynamic wines … it’s about a subset of biodynamic wines as practiced by a small group of Austrian wine producers.
These producers developed their own certification system in 2005. Their aim was to set themselves apart from other producers making biodynamic wines in Austria, and around the world.
Though many of the practices are like those of the Demeter biodynamic certification, the key difference is the biodynamic wines must pass a prime quality level to be part of the “Respekt” classification.
Austrian Producers and the “Respekt” Classification
Window, a national distribution company of fine wine and spirits, represent many of these fine Austrian wine producers who are in the “Respekt” classification. So they put together a webinar to introduce the wines that fall under the “Respekt” classification.
Moderating the virtual webinar was Master Sommelier Jesse Becker. Participants included Fred Loimer, Gernot Heinrich, Alex Sattler, and Fritz Weininger
Biodynamic Wines of Austria Tasted
Wines discussed included:
Loimer Langenlois Gruner Veltliner 2019
Delicious pale yellow wine with aromas of warm hay, spicy yellow flowers, and tart acidity
Sattlerhof Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Aromatic wine of summer flowers, tart acidity, and modernly long finish
Weininger Wiener Gemischter Satz 2019
This is a field blend based on Gruner Veltliner, Welschriesling, and Chardonnay – perfect for a casual summer picnic
Loimer Brut Rose
Grapes in this wine include Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, and St. Laurent. Delicious and refreshing for a fun summer picnic or apéritif.
Heinrich “Naked Red” 2018
This is a highly approachable red wine made from 50% Zweigelt, 50% Blaufrankish, and 10% St. Laurent. It’s aged for 12 months in used 500 liter Austrian oak casks.
Very refreshing with firm, but round tannins.
Final Thoughts
Austria is an outstanding example of producers pushing further than Demeter for premium wine. In the USA, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara offer outstanding examples.
